Two sides locked together on 10 points in the Champions League league phase meet in Bergamo on Tuesday as Atalanta host Chelsea in a high-stakes encounter at the Gewiss Stadium.
A victory for either side would be a massive step toward securing a top-eight finish. Consequently, the winner would likely seal automatic qualification for the Round of 16. Chelsea currently sit three places above their hosts due to a superior goal difference.
However, both teams enter matchday six with identical records of three wins, one draw, and one loss. Enzo Maresca and Raffaele Palladino will be demanding a reaction from their squads. This is because both teams suffered disappointing domestic setbacks over the weekend.
Atalanta vs Chelsea – Match Preview and Team News
- Date: Tuesday, 9 December 2025
- Kick-off: 20:00 GMT
- Venue: Gewiss Stadium, Bergamo
- Referee: Alejandro Hernández (ESP)
- VAR: Cesar Soto Grado (ESP)
- Last Meeting: This is the first competitive meeting between the two clubs.
Team News
Atalanta
Raffaele Palladino has no fresh injury concerns following the shock defeat to Hellas Verona. However, Kamaldeen Sulemana and Mitchel Bakker remain sidelined. The manager is expected to make critical changes after Saturday’s poor performance. Gianluca Scamacca is likely to displace Nikola Krstovic as the focal point of the attack. Furthermore, Nicola Zalewski is favoured to operate on the left flank over former Chelsea man Davide Zappacosta.
Chelsea
Enzo Maresca welcomes back influential midfielder Moisés Caicedo. He is currently serving a domestic suspension but is eligible for Europe. Conversely, the Blues have been dealt a blow with striker Liam Delap ruled out after sustaining a shoulder injury. He joins an absentee list that includes Romeo Lavia, Levi Colwill, and Dario Essugo. Additionally, Cole Palmer may be dropped to the bench for load management.
Form
Atalanta
Atalanta’s European form has been a bright spot in a difficult season. They recently thrashed Eintracht Frankfurt 3-0. Interestingly, all six of Atalanta’s Champions League goals this season have come in the second half. Defensively, La Dea are formidable in Europe. In fact, they have kept eight clean sheets in their last 15 Champions League games. However, they have won just one of their previous seven games against English opponents.
Chelsea
Chelsea arrive in Italy looking to recapture their best form. Since dismantling Barcelona, they have claimed just two points from three Premier League games. This fixture marks a significant milestone as Chelsea’s 100th away game in the European Cup/Champions League. However, their recent away form in Europe is worrying. The Blues are winless in their last four Champions League away games.
Predicted Lineups
Atalanta BC predicted XI: Carnesecchi; Kossounou, Hien, Djimsiti; Bellanova, Éderson, Pašalić, Zalewski; De Ketelaere, Lookman; Scamacca
Chelsea predicted XI: Sánchez; Gusto, Acheampong, Chalobah, Hato; Caicedo, Santos; Estêvão, Fernández, Neto; Pedro
How to watch Atalanta vs Chelsea?
The match will be broadcast live in the UK on TNT Sports 1 and TNT Sports Ultimate. Coverage starts at 19:00 GMT.
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