Atalanta vs Cremonese: Lineups and Serie A Preview
As the 2025/26 Serie A Enilive season heats up, Atalanta Bergamo welcomes US Cremonese to the New Balance Arena in Bergamo for Matchday 24 on February 9, 2026. Kicking off at 18:30 CET, this fixture promises tactical intrigue and high stakes, with both teams vying for crucial points in the mid-table battle. However, pre-match drama unfolded when Atalanta's star playmaker Charles De Ketelaere suffered an injury during warm-ups, forcing a last-minute lineup tweak.
Updated Lineups: Atalanta's Injury Blow
Atalanta, under the guidance of coach Raffaele Palladino, entered the game with a strong squad but had to adapt quickly. The initial lineup featured Carnesecchi in goal, a solid backline of Scalvini, Djimsiti, Kolašinac, and Zappacosta, midfield anchors Éderson and Pašalić, wing threats Zalewski and De Ketelaere, and forwards Krstović and Raspadori. The bench included reliable options like Rossi, Kossounou, and Scamacca.
De Ketelaere's withdrawal—a key creative force with his vision and scoring touch—saw Nicola Zalewski shift centrally, and young talent Lazar Samardžić step in on the wing. The revised Atalanta XI reads: Carnesecchi; Scalvini, Djimsiti, Kolašinac, Zappacosta; Éderson, Pašalić; Zalewski, Samardžić; Krstović, Raspadori. Palladino's bench now boasts Scamacca as a potential super-sub striker, alongside Musah and Kamaldeen for midfield freshness.
Cremonese, coached by Davide Nicola, stuck to their planned formation without changes. They line up with Audero between the posts, defended by Ceccherini, Baschirotto, Luperto, and Barbieri. Midfield is powered by Grassi, Thorsby, and Maleh, supporting attackers Pezzella, Vardy, and Bonazzoli. Their bench offers depth with Silvestri, Djuric, and Sanabria ready to inject energy.
Key Players to Watch
For Atalanta, Éderson remains the midfield linchpin, his tenacity and passing range vital in compensating for De Ketelaere's absence. Up top, Ademola Lookman-inspired Krstović and Giacomo Raspadori form a dynamic duo, capable of exploiting Cremonese's defensive vulnerabilities. Samardžić, the 23-year-old Serbian, gets a golden opportunity to shine, bringing flair and set-piece expertise.
Cremonese's hopes rest on Jamie Vardy's predatory instincts—the veteran Englishman's experience could punish Atalanta's reshuffled attack. Bonazzoli, partnering him, adds Serie A pedigree, while Thorsby's box-to-box energy might disrupt Atalanta's rhythm. Nicola's side has been resilient on the road, often relying on counter-attacks led by Pezzella's pace.
Tactical Breakdown and Form Guide
Atalanta's home form has been a fortress this season, with the New Balance Arena (formerly Gewiss Stadium) witnessing some of their most dominant displays. Palladino favors a high-pressing 3-4-2-1 system, emphasizing wing-back overlaps and quick transitions. De Ketelaere's injury disrupts this fluidity, potentially forcing a more conservative approach with Pašalić dropping deeper.
Cremonese, conversely, deploys a pragmatic 3-5-2 under Nicola, focusing on solidity at the back. They've climbed the table through gritty defending and opportunistic scoring, but away games against top-half teams have exposed their limitations. Recent form shows Atalanta unbeaten in five home matches, while Cremonese has drawn three of their last six outings.
Historically, Atalanta holds the edge in this fixture. In recent Serie A encounters, they've won three of the last five against Cremonese, including a 2-1 thriller last season. Bergamo's passionate crowd—known as the Curva Nord—adds an intimidating edge, though Cremonese's organization could frustrate early.
Referee and Officiating Team
Marco Piccinini from Forlì takes charge, assisted by Federico Fontani and Lorenzo Giuggioli. Fourth official Alberto Ruben Arena oversees the touchline, with VAR duties handled by Gianluca Aureliano and A.V.A.R. Stefano Del Giovane. Piccinini's style is fair but card-happy, averaging 4.5 yellows per game—expect a tense atmosphere if tempers flare.
Predictions and Stakes
This match could define both teams' European aspirations. Atalanta, sitting around 6th in the standings, needs a win to close the gap to Champions League spots. A victory here would boost morale ahead of tougher fixtures. Cremonese, battling relegation shadows, aims for a point to solidify their mid-table safety.
Expert analysis points to a narrow Atalanta win: 2-1. Despite the injury setback, their depth and home advantage should prevail. Look for Raspadori to score first, with Vardy netting a consolation. Weather in Bergamo—chilly February evenings—might favor the hosts' intensity.
Broader Serie A Context
MD24 falls during a congested schedule, with Coppa Italia ties looming. Atalanta's squad rotation will be tested, especially with international breaks on the horizon. Cremonese, meanwhile, eyes a surprise scalp to emulate their 2023 promotion heroics.
Fans can follow live updates via Atalanta's official channels or Serie A Enilive broadcasts. Tickets sold out weeks ago, underscoring the fixture's appeal. As the whistle blows, expect a clash blending Atalanta's flair with Cremonese's grit—a microcosm of Serie A's unpredictability.
In the world of Italian football, moments like De Ketelaere's injury remind us of the sport's fragility. Yet, it's these twists that make Serie A endlessly captivating. Stay tuned for post-match reactions and highlights.
