As the European football season for 2025/26 draws near, Atalanta Bergamo has officially submitted its 25-man squad list to UEFA for the highly anticipated Champions League group stage. The announcement brings a mix of resolution, unfortunate news, and a clear statement of intent as the club prepares to navigate a challenging continental campaign.
The Resolution of a Summer Saga: Lookman Stays Put
One of the summer`s most gripping football telenovelas has finally reached its conclusion for Atalanta fans: Ademola Lookman is firmly on the Champions League roster. The Nigerian forward, whose future was a subject of intense speculation and prolonged negotiations throughout the transfer window, ultimately remains in Bergamo. Despite numerous reports of potential suitors and the player`s reported desire for a move, club management, led by the Percassi family, evidently found no offers satisfactory enough to part with their attacking asset. One might wonder if the protracted negotiations left everyone slightly bewildered, but for now, Lookman dons the black and blue.
Currently on international duty with Nigeria, Lookman`s re-integration into the first-team fold at Zingonia will be a critical task for coach Ivan Juric. He has reportedly been training individually for over six weeks, a period that might just qualify him for a `lone wolf` title, if not for his national team commitments. His return to group training is expected next week, where he will undoubtedly be keen to shake off the individual sessions and prove his worth on Europe`s biggest stage.
An Unfortunate Setback: Bakker Sidelined
Conversely, the squad list brings disheartening news for Dutch defender Mitchel Bakker. His exclusion from the Champions League roster is not a tactical decision but a grim necessity: Bakker underwent surgery in late July for a ruptured cruciate ligament. This severe injury is expected to keep him off the pitch until at least February, effectively ruling him out of the initial phases of Atalanta`s European journey. It`s a cruel blow for any player, but particularly so when the glamour of Champions League football beckons. The club and fans will undoubtedly wish him a swift and full recovery.
Nurturing Homegrown Talent: The Club-Trained Contingent
In line with UEFA regulations and, more importantly, Atalanta`s enduring philosophy, the 25-man squad includes four vital “club-trained players” (CTP). This quartet comprises goalkeepers Marco Rossi and Marco Sportiello, the highly-rated defender Giorgio Scalvini, and the promising left-back Tommaso Bernasconi. Bernasconi, a 2003-born talent, has made a significant impression on coach Ivan Juric during the summer, earning his place after a stint with the Under 23 squad last season. Their inclusion underscores the club`s commitment to developing talent from within, proving that the academy truly is the beating heart of La Dea.
The European Gauntlet: Atalanta`s Champions League Schedule
Atalanta`s journey in the Champions League promises to be a stern test, kicking off with an away clash against the reigning champions, Paris Saint-Germain, on September 17th. The subsequent fixtures offer a blend of familiar foes and new challenges:
- Club Brugge (Away): A chance for redemption, as the Belgian side famously eliminated Atalanta in the playoffs last season. A spicy encounter, indeed.
- Slavia Prague (Home): A crucial home fixture to secure valuable points.
- Olympique Marseille (Away): An intriguing matchup, especially as it features a reunion with former Atalanta coach Roberto De Zerbi, who now helms the French outfit.
- Eintracht Frankfurt (Away): Anticipation is high for this one, not just for the football but for the legendary camaraderie between the two fan bases. Expect an electric atmosphere.
- Chelsea (Home): A marquee fixture against one of Europe`s powerhouses.
- Athletic Bilbao (Home): A test of endurance and tactical prowess against the Spanish giants.
- Union St. Gilloise (Away): The group stage concludes in Brussels on January 28th against the Belgian challengers.
This demanding schedule will push Atalanta`s squad to its limits, requiring depth, resilience, and tactical adaptability from Coach Juric and his players.
The Full Roster: Juric`s Chosen 25
Here is the complete 25-man squad list submitted by Atalanta for the 2025/26 UEFA Champions League campaign:
Goalkeepers:
- Carnesecchi
- Rossi (CTP)
- Sportiello (CTP)
Defenders:
- Ahanor
- Djimsiti
- Hien
- Kolasinac
- Kossounou
- Scalvini (CTP)
Wing-backs/Wide Midfielders:
- Bellanova
- Bernasconi (CTP)
- Zalewski
- Zappacosta
Midfielders:
- Brescianini
- De Roon
- Ederson
- Musah
- Pasalic
- Samardzic
Forwards:
- De Ketelaere
- Kamaldeen
- Krstovic
- Lookman
- Maldini
- Scamacca
Looking Ahead: Atalanta`s European Ambition
With the squad now officially confirmed, Atalanta sets its sights on making a significant impact in the 2025/26 Champions League. The inclusion of key players like Lookman, despite the summer`s distractions, alongside the unfortunate but understandable absence of Bakker, defines the initial contours of Juric`s tactical options. The blend of experienced campaigners, rising stars, and homegrown talent provides a solid foundation. While the road ahead is fraught with formidable opponents, La Dea will be keen to demonstrate their characteristic grit and flair on Europe’s grandest stage. The journey begins, and Bergamo holds its breath.