As the 2025–26 UEFA Champions League group stage nears its conclusion, Chelsea travel to Italy to face Atalanta at the New Balance Arena in Bergamo, a match that could prove decisive for both sides’ hopes of advancing. Neither team has particularly impressed domestically, Atalanta enter on the back of poor form in Serie A despite flashes in Europe, while Chelsea, under Enzo Maresca, have shown both brilliance and inconsistency over recent years.
Meanwhile, Atalanta’s European record at home offers hope: they’ve kept eight clean sheets in their last 15 UCL games, and although they often struggle domestically, their recent European form has been more solid.
Predicted Lineups:
Atalanta (3-4-2-1): Carnesecchi; Kossounou, Hien, Djimsiti; Bellanova, De Roon, Ederson, Zappacosta; De Ketelaere, Lookman; Scamacca.
Chelsea (4-2-3-1): Sanchez; Gusto, Acheampong, Chalobah, Cucurella; Caicedo, Santos; Estêvão, Fernández, Gittens; Pedro.
Most pundits and statistical models suggest a narrow Chelsea win, a predicted 1–2 final scoreline, but as always with European nights, Atalanta’s home advantage and unpredictable flair mean nothing is guaranteed. Expect a tight, tactical battle with potential for late drama.
