To continue dreaming big, Atalanta needs to get three of its most important men back: Charles De Ketelaere, Ederson and Lazar Samardzic. The Brazilian, fundamental in the tactical balances, has suffered a physical downturn after months at a high pace. The Belgian, while remaining instrumental in team play, has lost incisiveness under goal. The Serbian, after a good start to the season, is struggling to find continuity. Gasperini knows that to play their chances all the way will require the best performance from all three.
Ederson, l’indispensabile da ritrovare
As La Gazzetta dello Sport points out, If we talk about balance and game dynamics, it is impossible not to think of Ederson. The Brazilian midfielder has offered top performances for much of the season, but in recent weeks he has begun to show signs of fatigue. He has played 33 out of 37 games as a starter, often without saving himself for 90 minutes. The downturn has been most evident in the two Champions League challenges against Bruges, where his performance has mirrored the team’s general decline. Gasperini, aware of the importance of his dynamism, started him from the bench against both Cagliari and Empoli, giving him a necessary rest. The coach hopes this stop will help him return to the levels seen in Verona, where he scored one of the best goals of the season. With six decisive games coming up, his contribution will be essential.
De Ketelaere, alla ricerca di gol e fiducia
The Belgian has not scored in the league since December 22, an unusual figure for a player who had accustomed fans to a devastating impact in the first months: 10 goals and 9 assists so far. Gasperini also appreciates him for the work he does for the team, but it is clear that something is jammed.
After that date, De Ketelaere found the net only once, in the Europa League match against Sturm Graz. His plays remain of the highest quality, as evidenced by the post hit in Verona, which led to Retegui’s 1-0 lead, and numerous offensive spurts, but a lack of lucidity in the last meters has made him less incisive. The coach trusts that by finding the goal he can unlock himself mentally and become Atalanta’s dragging force again.
Samardzic, talento da ritrovare
After an excellent start to the season, Lazar Samardzic seems to have gone astray. The Serbian showed flashes of his talent with 5 goals and 4 assists, but after his brace against Cesena in the Coppa Italia in mid-December, his performance dropped. In the league he has not affected since late October, when he scored and provided an assist against Monza.
Despite the difficulties, Gasperini has continued to give him confidence, deploying him 23 times in 25 Serie A matches, but in recent outings he has often been in the shadows. The bench for the entire 90 minutes against Empoli was a clear signal: the coach expects more. His talent could be decisive in the rotations and in the moments when the team will need alternative solutions to unlock the matches.
L’Atalanta ha bisogno del miglior rendimento da tutti
With the Scudetto race still open, Atalanta cannot afford to have key players struggling. Ederson, De Ketelaere and Samardzic are three key pawns for the team’s ambitions, and Gasperini is working to bring them back to top condition. With 12 decisive games on the horizon, their revival could mean the difference between a standout finish to the season and a missed opportunity.
Article Atalanta, De Ketelaere, Ederson and Samardzic needed for final sprint comes from CalcioAtalanta.
