Atalanta vs Chelsea: Confirmed XIs as Chelsea Chase Champions League Progression
Head coach Enzo Maresca has released his starting eleven as Chelsea travel to Italy for a pivotal Champions League showdown against Atalanta at the Stadio Atleti Azzurri d’Italia.
For Chelsea, the game comes on the back of a frustrating Premier League week, held to a draw by Bournemouth after a heavy loss at Leeds, putting extra pressure on the club to secure all three points in Europe.
Chelsea’s Line‑up and Key Absences
Chelsea are missing several players through injury or tactical rotation: Cole Palmer and Liam Delap do not travel, while other absentees include Levi Colwill, Dario Essugo and Romeo Lavia.
In their place, Maresca has shuffled the back‐line and midfield. The starting XI is:
Sánchez; Josh Acheampong, Trevoh Chalobah, Benoît Badiashile, Marc Cucurella; Reece James, Moisés Caicedo; Pedro Neto, Enzo Fernández, Jamie Gittens; João Pedro.
This lineup reflects a tactical decision to freshen the side while making sure key players like Moisés Caicedo (available for European duty despite domestic suspension) and captain Reece James return to the XI.
Atalanta’s Set‑Up
Atalanta will field:
Carnesecchi; Kossounou, Djimsiti, Kolasinac, Bellanova; De Roon, Éderson, Bernasconi; De Ketelaere, Scamacca, Lookman.
Their bench includes experienced defenders and midfielders, offering options to react based on match developments.
Stakes and Expectations
Given that both clubs have comparable records in the group, this match is crucial: a win for Chelsea could cement their hopes of automatic qualification to the knockout stages.
With squad rotation likely and some first-team regulars absent, Chelsea’s performance will depend on how well the fresh XI adapts, while Atalanta will be looking to exploit any defensive lapses. The Atalanta setup suggests they will play with ambition, perhaps hoping to unsettle Chelsea’s reshuffled backline.