Verdict: Both teams score
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Following a disappointing start to their Serie A campaign, Inter and Atalanta aim to climb in the standings as the 3rd round completes. The game will be played at Giuseppe Meazza Stadium in Milan, with 80,000 fans expected to see an improved output from the current Serie A winners against the Europa League champions.
Inter
After an impressive previous season that culminated with Inter winning the 20th Scudetto by defeating bitter rivals AC Milan, the start of the new era failed to have the desired impact. Although Simone Inzhaghi hoped to receive a spending spree to strengthen his championship-winning squad, the Piacezna-born manager was disappointed to receive on a free transfer both Piotr Zielinsky (Napoli) and Mehdi Taremi (Porto) the only additions to his team.
While the start of the summer preparations returned three consecutive wins against lower league sides, Inter failed to impress against Al Itihad (0-2 loss) and Chelsea (1-1) before the Serie A opening match against Genoa. Despite being tipped by the bookies to start their title defence with a win, the ongoing problems extended at Luigi Ferraris stadium.
Although the hosts surprised Nerrazzuri by scoring the opening goal, the current champions scored twice and were heading towards a perfect start to their campaign. However, a late penalty scored by Junior Messias settled the final result (2-2) to the disappointment of the Inter fans.
Returning to Giuseppe Meazza with a sour taste following the Geno setback, Inter was keen to get three points against Lecce. The champions started on the front foot by opening the score in the 5th minute of the game with an early strike by Matteo Darmian and settled the contest with a second-term goal scored by MVP Hakan Calhanoglu.
With an upcoming schedule featureing games against Monza (away) and a fiery derby with AC Milan (home), Inter needs a positive result against Atalanta to avoid a start-of-the-season slump.
Team News
Lautaro Martinez is expected to start against Atalanta after sitting out against Lecce. The previous season s Serie A Golden Boot winner will partner with Marcus Thuram, a formidable pair that brought the Scuddeto to Inter last term. Right midfielder Tajon Buchanan remains sidelined after breaking his tibia in November.
Atalanta
Atalanta had one of the most impressive seasons in their history by achieving European and domestic glory. Defeating Bayer Leverkusen in the Europa League 2024 final made Atalanta reach a historic mark by bringing the sole European trophy back to Bergamo. While the Germans were expected to win the treble after ending Bayern Munich s domestic supremacy, Atalanta smashed Xabi Alonso s side with an impressive 3-0.
Gian Piero Gasperrini proved great managerial skills after bringing a team with a small budget to compete and defeat Europe s best. Although La Dea was scheduled to match their mighty power against arguably the best European side ever, facing Real Madrid proved again how money can make a big difference in football.
With a star-studded squad, the latest addition being French superstar Kylian Mbappe, Atalanta was defeated 2-0 in the UEFA Super Cup. However, this setback was quickly forgotten by the Atalanta fans who witnessed the perfect Serie A debut with a 4-0 win at Lecce. Although Atalanta was expected to maintain the high tempo in the second round at Torino, the late onset fatigue and the lack of fresh legs were decisive as La Dea disjointly capitulated (2-1 final score).
Furthermore, facing another uphill battle at Meazza, Atalanta must bounce back from the Torino defeat with a positive result against the champions before hosting Fiorentina in the next Serie A fixture.
Team News
Long-term absentees Gianluca Scamacca and Giorgio Scalvini remain sidelined. Furthermore, Sead Kolasinac, Rafael Toloi and Mitchel Bakker are in doubt to face Inter after accusing muscle fatigue. This situation leaves Gian Pierro Gasperini with unresolved problems at the back that were evident against Torino.
Key factors to consider
Inter won the last three encounters against Atalanta at Giuseppe Meazza
The hosts are undefeated in their Serie A debut (W1D1)
Atalanta impressed lately by winning their first-ever European title (Europa League)
The visitors failed to record a win at Inter s turf since 2014
Conclusion
Two heavyweights of the Serie A will try to improve on their disappointing start. While the current champions Inter are keen to secure the second win of the season, Atalanta proved capable of playing against Europe s best. Since predicting a full-time result is more difficult, we expect an open game and goals scored at both ends considering the quality present on the pitch.
Verdict: Both teams score
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