Atalanta is looking for new offensive solutions after a decline in the last 10 games, in which Gasperini’s team scored with less continuity than in previous months. The absence of Scamacca and the delay in Lookman’s recovery make the quick inclusion of Daniel Maldini, who arrived in the winter market to add alternatives in the offensive phase, essential.
As La Gazzetta dello Sport points out, the former Monza man was not bought to replace Scamacca, but to enrich the advanced department with his technical qualities. His ability to read actions, insert himself and finish in the net make him a potentially valuable weapon for Dea. His Coppa Italia debut against Bologna has already shown interesting insights, despite a wasted chance in front of Skorupski. However, his natural flair for shooting and ability to break free bodes well for the future.
Numeri in calo e la necessità di un cambio di marcia
Atalanta has scored 75 goals this season, but most of those have come between October and December. In the last ten games the average has dropped to one goal per contest, an unusual figure for a team accustomed to quite different numbers. If one excludes the five goals at Sturm Graz in the Europa League, the offensive performance looks even more diminished.
Maldini could be one of the elements capable of shaking things up, thanks to his dribbling ability, change of pace and game vision. Against Bologna, in addition to a dangerous finish, he showed interesting cues: a central percussion for Cuadrado and a duel he won against Beukema, which highlighted his quickness and ability to protect the ball.
L’inserimento nei meccanismi della Dea
Gasperini, as he did with De Ketelaere, will try to adapt Maldini to Atalanta’s offensive game, asking him to get as close to the goal as possible. The player has already shown that he can integrate himself into the group, helped also by the teammates he already knew before the transfer. The Nerazzurri coach could use him as a second forward or even as a first forward in the absence of Retegui, while with the return of Lookman and De Ketelaere he can be an additional solution in the trident.
Given the Nigerian’s absence, Maldini could already start against Verona, with Gasperini ready to test a more offensive formation. The talent is there, now continuity is needed to make him a decisive element in Dea’s season finale.
The article Atalanta, Maldini card for offensive revival while waiting for Lookman comes from CalcioAtalanta.
