Kick-Off and Match Format
Atalanta will host Cesena in the Coppa Italia Round of 16 on Wednesday evening, with kick-off scheduled for 17:30 GMT. This highly anticipated match will follow a straightforward format—if the scores are level after 90 minutes, the game will go directly to a penalty shootout, with no extra time.
Atalanta’s Strong Lineup
Atalanta head coach Gian Piero Gasperini has surprised many by naming a strong starting XI, signaling his intent to take the competition seriously. This will be Atalanta’s first Coppa Italia match of the 2024-25 season after finishing as runners-up in the 2023-24 campaign, losing to Juventus in the final.
Leading the line for Atalanta is Serie A’s top scorer, Mateo Retegui, who is supported by attacking talents Charles De Ketelaere and Lazar Samardzic. In midfield, the experienced duo of Marten De Roon and Mario Pasalic provide stability, while Davide Zappacosta and Júnior Palestra will add width and creativity as full-backs.
Defensively, Gasperini has opted for a reliable back three featuring captain Rafael Toloi, Isak Hien, and Berat Djimsiti, with goalkeeper Rui Patricio in goal. This blend of experience and skill makes Atalanta favorites to advance.
Cesena’s Road to the Round of 16
Despite being a Serie B side, Cesena has proven their ability to compete against higher-tier teams. They have already defeated Serie A’s Hellas Verona in the first round of the competition and progressed past Pisa, the second-place team in Serie B. Cesena’s success so far showcases their resilience and tactical discipline under head coach William Viali.
For this match, Cesena will deploy a 5-3-2 formation. Matteo Pisseri starts in goal, with defenders Ciofi, Piacentini, Pieraccini, Celia, and Bastoni forming a compact backline. The midfield trio of Mendicino, Adamo, and Tavsa will aim to control play, while attackers Kargbo and Van Hooijdonk lead the charge upfront.
What to Expect
Atalanta’s superior squad depth and attacking firepower make them the favorites, but Cesena’s ability to upset stronger opponents cannot be underestimated. This match is likely to be a battle between Atalanta’s high-quality attacking play and Cesena’s defensive organization and counterattacking threat.
With a place in the quarter-finals at stake, both teams will be motivated to give their best. Fans can expect an exciting contest filled with intensity and drama.
