There is more bad news for Atalanta from the treatment room after it was confirmed Davide Zappacosta has been diagnosed with a soleus lesion.

The wing-back limped off during half-time in their 2-1 Serie A victory over Udinese at the weekend.

A statement confirmed that when training resumed today, Zappacosta underwent scans that showed a Grade I lesion to the soleus muscle in the left leg.

This is effectively a calf strain, and while the soleus is a delicate muscle when it comes to injuries, the Grade I status suggests he should be back in action after around three to four weeks.

Stunning Atalanta form continues

Atalanta have won their last six Serie A matches in a row to take them into joint second place, one point off leaders Napoli.

When the break for international duty has finished, they will play Parma away, then Young Boys in the Champions League before back-to-back Serie A tests with Roma and Milan.

They will host Real Madrid in Bergamo on December 12.

Atalanta have closed the financial year in 2024 with profits of €9.8m, largely thanks to Rasmus Hojlund’s sale to Manchester United.

La Dea hit remarkable new heights last season when they beat Bayer Leverkusen 3-0 in the Dublin Final to win the Europa League, their first ever piece of UEFA silverware.

They also then participated in the European Super Cup against Real Madrid before playing in the new format of the Champions League.

All of this, plus player sales and the completion of their Gewiss Stadium reconstruction project, helped them make a profit for the ninth year in a row.

According to Calcio e Finanza, the club from Bergamo concluded the 2023-24 financial year with profits of €9.8m.

Hojlund sale boosted Atalanta profits

This is thanks to a surge in revenue that reached €242.1m, almost an all-time club record approaching the €242.7m of 2020-21, but an improvement on the €193.7m for 2022-23.

Above all it was pushed by the sale of Hojlund to Manchester United.

He was purchased from Sturm Graz for €20m in August 2022 and sold on a year later to the Premier League giants for €73.9m plus up to €9.9m in add-ons.

His transfers alone represented a profit of €53.2m.

Since Antonio and Luca Percassi took charge of Atalanta in 2010, the club has generated €508m in profits from player sales.

Hojlund is the most profitable player, followed by €34.3m from Dejan Kulusevski to Juventus and €33.8m for Cristian Romero to Tottenham Hotspur.

La Gazzetta dello Sport 

Scudetto mix

Six teams within two points

Napoli ahead with McTominay, Calhanoglu responds but then misses a penalty. Conte stays in first but contests the usage of VAR. Atalanta, Lazio and Fiorentina (Kean hat-trick!) move within -1. Juve -2. 

Roma, Juric gone

Mancini in pole, Garcia alternative 

Corriere dello Sport

Conte on summit 

Napoli stop Inter and Ancotino attacks VAR

San Siro challenge ends 1-1: Azzurri seal top spot 

McTominay scores, Calhanoglu fights back. Then the Turk misses a penalty: Ball hits the post. Harsh from the coach: ‘A sensational mistake, whoever was in charge of the video should have intervened, this is how ulterior motives cane arise’

End of a Roma

Juric sacked, a new coach coming in, Garcia rising 

Revolution after the 3-2 defeat against Bologna and the protests of the fans at the Olimpico. Ghisolfi: ‘We apoligise, it’s our fault’. Allegri the dream, The fFrenchman advances. Italiano flies with Castro, Orsolini and Karlsson

Lazio and Fiorentina, wonderful thoughts 

Baroni with a routine win in Monza through Zaccagni (0-1): It’s the 10th victory in the last 11. Palladino overwhelms Verona (3-1 thanks to Kean (hat-trick): 6th victory in a row. Gasp doesn’t stop: Atalanta beat Udinese (2-1)

Tuttosport 

Juve and Weah attracting David 

Bianconeri signals from the Lille bomber 

The ‘like’ that was sent to the American from Juve, who celebrates the derby performance, which matches his agent’s words: ‘I knew he’d explode with Motta. And Jonathan? A 20-goal striker’ 

Meanwhile, Kean (hat-trick) boosts La Viola 

Inter penalty infuriates Conte 

McTominay-Calhanoglu: Inter-Napoli 1-1 

The Turk misses from the spot, but Antonio shouts: ‘VAR has to intervene if there’s been a mistake, always though’ 

Scudetto pile-up: Six teams within two points 

A new march for a new Toro 

Procession before the match against Monza

The Granata mobilise again, dreaming of a corporate turnover. Meanwhile: Vanoli’s outbursts in the dressing room. Somnetti, who won two derbies: ‘Toro heartless, I could have smashed up the tv’

Atalanta completed the comeback from a Hassane Kamara goal to beat Udinese 2-1 and temporarily go top of the Serie A table with a sixth straight win, but injuries are piling up too.

La Dea were coming off the 3-0 away to leaders Napoli, and won 2-0 in Stuttgart in the Champions League midweek too. Charles De Ketelaere and Sead Kolasinac joined Giorgio Scalvini and Gianluca Scamacca on the absentee list, so Lazar Samardzic started against his old club. The Friulani got Isaak Toure back from suspension, but Alexis Sanchez, Thomas Kristensen and Gerard Deulofeu were still injured.

See how it all unfolded on the Liveblog.

It was end to end early on, as Maduka Okoye got down to push away the Mario Pasalic cross-shot, then Udinese immediately countered forcing Marco Carnesecchi into a double save on Sandi Lovric and Keinan Davis.

Atalanta had the ball in the net on 13 minutes when Matteo Ruggeri’s snapshot was parried into the path of Mateo Retegui to nod in, but it was disallowed as Ademola Lookman got the final touch while offside.

Martin Payero had a huge opportunity soon after, his ferocious right-foot curler smacking against the crossbar.

Carnesecchi also got down to fingertip the scuffed Florian Thauvin finish round the base of the near post. The Udinese man slipped in the process and clattered into Berat Djimsiti, adding to the injury problems, so Marten de Roon had to drop into defence.

Moments later, Davis had a goal disallowed for his push in the back on De Roon, a move that probably wouldn’t have been punished if left to VAR.

A clearance ricocheted between Udinese teammates Jaka Bijol and Kamara to risk a bizarre own goal. There was a double Atalanta chance on the stroke of half-time from a Samardzic corner, as first Okoye parried the Odilon Kossounou header, then Bijol made a desperate block to stop the Retegui tap-in.

The deadlock was broken in first half stoppages, as Davide Zappacosta nursing an injury was unable to keep up with Hassane Kamara down the left flank, giving him the time and space to thump a screamer into the far top corner from outside the box.

Thauvin had a double chance after the restart, his first parried by Carnesecchi, then a lob over the empty net as the goalkeeper got down to anticipate Davis.

Instead, Atalanta equalised with a well-worked move started by Samardzic, as Raoul Bellanova rolled across from the right for Mario Pasalic to sweep into the roof of the net first-time from 12 yards with the inside of the right boot.

The game was turned on its head within five minutes, as another Bellanova cross from the right was accidentally deflected into his own net by Toure during a misguided attempt at a block.

Marco Brescianini scuffed a finish off target with his weaker foot from a promising position, but after Djimsiti and Zappacosta, Nicolò Zaniolo was also forced off with an injury when feeling a muscular twinge.

Atalanta 2-1 Udinese

Kamara 45 (U), Pasalic 56 (A), Touré og 61 (A)

10-11-2024 11:30

MatchDay 12

Gewiss Stadium (Stadio Atleti Azzurri d'Italia)

Atalanta

Udinese

2 - 1

Player statistic

1st half

45+3'

Hassane Kamara (Assist: Florian Thauvin)

2nd half

Mario Pasalic (Assist: Raoul Bellanova)		56'
Isaak Touré		60'
		84'		Isaak Touré
Ademola Lookman		90+1'

Match statistic

54

Possession %

46

10

Total shots

11

3

Shots on target

6

4

Shots off target

3

3

Blocked shots

2

4

Corners

5

2

Offsides

0

10

Fouls

12

Atalanta

Udinese

Starting lineups

29

Marco Carnesecchi

Goalkeeper

19

Berat Djimsiti

Defender

25'

77

Davide Zappacosta

Defender

46'

4

Isak Hien

Defender

22

Matteo Ruggeri

Defender

3

Odilon Kossounou

Defender

24

Lazar Samardžić

Midfielder

68'

8

Mario Pasalic

Midfielder

15

Marten de Roon

Midfielder

11

Ademola Lookman

Attacker

32

Mateo Retegui

Attacker

68'

40

Maduka Okoye

Goalkeeper

11

Hassane Kamara

Defender

67'

Isaak Touré

Defender

29

Jaka Bijol

Defender

19

Kingsley Ehizibue

Defender

30

Lautaro Giannetti

Defender

77'

25

Jesper Karlström

Midfielder

5

Martín Payero

Midfielder

8

Sandi Lovric

Midfielder

60'

10

Florian Thauvin

Attacker

67'

9

Keinan Davis

Attacker

78'

Substitutes

28

Rui Patrício

Goalkeeper

31

Francesco Rossi

Goalkeeper

2

Rafael Tolói

Defender

6

Ibrahim Sulemana

Midfielder

48

Vanja Vlahovic

Attacker

27

Marco Palestra

Defender

5

Ben Godfrey

Defender

13

Éderson

Midfielder

25'

16

Raoul Bellanova

Defender

46'

44

Marco Brescianini

Midfielder

68'

10

Nicolò Zaniolo

Midfielder

7

Juan Cuadrado

Midfielder

87'

93

Daniele Padelli

Goalkeeper

32

Jurgen Ekkelenkamp

Midfielder

Răzvan Sava

Goalkeeper

23

Enzo Ebosse

Defender

27

Christian Kabasele

Defender

22

Brenner

Attacker

31

Thomas Kristensen

Defender

Rui Modesto

Midfielder

Arthur Atta

Midfielder

6

Oier Zarraga

Midfielder

60'

17

Lorenzo Lucca

Attacker

67'

33

Jordan Zemura

Defender

67'

4

James Abankwah

Defender

77'

21

Iker Bravo

Attacker

78'

Lazar Samardzic starts against his old club with Mateo Retegui and Ademola Lookman, as Atalanta want to keep the winning streak going against Udinese.

It kicks off at the Gewiss Stadium at 11.30 GMT.

You can follow all the build-up and action as it happens from today’s five Serie A games on the Liveblog.

La Dea have won five Serie A matches on the trot, including last week’s spectacular 3-0 away to leaders Napoli.

There was also a midweek 2-0 Champions League victory in Stuttgart, but Charles De Ketelaere and Sead Kolasinac picked up injuries, joining Giorgio Scalvini and Gianluca Scamacca on the absentee list.

Samardzic therefore starts against his former club with Capocannoniere Retegui and on form Lookman, while Odilon Kossounou steps into defence.

Udinese fumbled a 2-0 lead to lose 3-2 at Venezia when down to 10 men, then suffered a 2-0 defeat to Juventus.

Isak Touré is back from suspension, while Alexis Sanchez, Thomas Kristensen and Gerard Deulofeu are still out of action.

Lorenzo Lucca is again left on the bench in favour of Florian Thauvin and Keinan Davis.

Atalanta vs. Udinese line-ups

Atalanta: Carnesecchi; Kossounou, Hien, Djimsiti; Zappacosta, De Roon, Pasalic, Ruggeri; Samardzic; Lookman, Retegui

Udinese: Okoye; Giannetti, Bijol, Touré; Ehizibue, Lovric, Karlstrom, Payero, Zemura; Thauvin, Davis

10-11-2024 11:30

MatchDay 12

Gewiss Stadium (Stadio Atleti Azzurri d'Italia)

Atalanta

Udinese

2 - 1

Player statistic

1st half

45+3'

Hassane Kamara (Assist: Florian Thauvin)

2nd half

Mario Pasalic (Assist: Raoul Bellanova)		56'
Isaak Touré		60'
		84'		Isaak Touré
Ademola Lookman		90+1'

Match statistic

54

Possession %

46

10

Total shots

11

3

Shots on target

6

4

Shots off target

3

3

Blocked shots

2

4

Corners

5

2

Offsides

0

10

Fouls

12

Atalanta

Udinese

Starting lineups

29

Marco Carnesecchi

Goalkeeper

19

Berat Djimsiti

Defender

25'

77

Davide Zappacosta

Defender

46'

4

Isak Hien

Defender

22

Matteo Ruggeri

Defender

3

Odilon Kossounou

Defender

24

Lazar Samardžić

Midfielder

68'

8

Mario Pasalic

Midfielder

15

Marten de Roon

Midfielder

11

Ademola Lookman

Attacker

32

Mateo Retegui

Attacker

68'

40

Maduka Okoye

Goalkeeper

11

Hassane Kamara

Defender

67'

Isaak Touré

Defender

29

Jaka Bijol

Defender

19

Kingsley Ehizibue

Defender

30

Lautaro Giannetti

Defender

77'

25

Jesper Karlström

Midfielder

5

Martín Payero

Midfielder

8

Sandi Lovric

Midfielder

60'

10

Florian Thauvin

Attacker

67'

9

Keinan Davis

Attacker

78'

Substitutes

28

Rui Patrício

Goalkeeper

31

Francesco Rossi

Goalkeeper

2

Rafael Tolói

Defender

6

Ibrahim Sulemana

Midfielder

48

Vanja Vlahovic

Attacker

27

Marco Palestra

Defender

5

Ben Godfrey

Defender

13

Éderson

Midfielder

25'

16

Raoul Bellanova

Defender

46'

44

Marco Brescianini

Midfielder

68'

10

Nicolò Zaniolo

Midfielder

7

Juan Cuadrado

Midfielder

87'

93

Daniele Padelli

Goalkeeper

32

Jurgen Ekkelenkamp

Midfielder

Răzvan Sava

Goalkeeper

23

Enzo Ebosse

Defender

27

Christian Kabasele

Defender

22

Brenner

Attacker

31

Thomas Kristensen

Defender

Rui Modesto

Midfielder

Arthur Atta

Midfielder

6

Oier Zarraga

Midfielder

60'

17

Lorenzo Lucca

Attacker

67'

33

Jordan Zemura

Defender

67'

4

James Abankwah

Defender

77'

21

Iker Bravo

Attacker

78'

Atalanta are forced to do without Charles De Ketelaere for the first time this season, as he has picked up a muscular injury that should also rule him out of Belgium-Italy.

The former Milan attacking midfielder has been ever-present so far this term, a valuable tactical variant when Gianluca Scamacca has been out of action since the summer.

However, De Ketelaere has been diagnosed with a lesion to the femoral bicep in his left leg and will be out of action for a couple of weeks.

De Ketelaere setback

That means missing Sunday’s Serie A match against Udinese, as well as the Nations League showdown between Belgium and Italy in Brussels next week.

De Ketelaere contributed two goals and six assists in 16 games between Serie A, the Champions League and UEFA Super Cup.

Sead Kolasinac is also a major doubt after limping off during the 2-0 Champions League victory away to VfB Stuttgart, with Giorgio Scalvini and Scamacca long-term absentees.

Atalanta have won each of their last four competitive matches and are unbeaten in eight.

Carlo Nunziata has named a 27-player squad for Italy U21s’ upcoming matches against France and Ukraine in November, including Roma’s Tommaso Baldanzi, Chelsea’s Cesare Casadei and Leeds United’s Wilfried Gnonto. 

The Azzurrini will play in friendlies against France at the Stadio Castellani in Empoli on November 15, and then at the Stadio Alberto Picco in La Spezia against Ukraine on November 19. 

Established Serie A options have been included at full-back in Michael Kayode of Fiorentina and Atalanta’s Matteo Ruggeri. 

There are plenty of enticing options in midfield as well, as Tommaso Baldanzi stays with the U21s, despite some calls for him to be included in Luciano Spalletti’s senior squad. 

Edoardo Bove is in the mix as well, as are Chelsea talent Cesare Casadei, Fabio Miretti and Giovanni Fabbian, the latter of whom has four Champions League appearances this term. 

Wilfried Gnonto of Leeds, who has seven goal involvements from 14 Championship matches this season, is included among the forwards. 

Italy U21 squad confirmed for November fixtures 

Goalkeepers: Desplanches, Sassi, Zacchi. 

Defenders: Bertola, Bonfanti, Coppola, Ghilardi, Guarino, Kayode, Palestra, Pirola, Ruggeri, Turicchia, Zanotti. 

Midfielders: Baldanzi, Bianco, Bove, Casadei, Fabbian, Miretti, Ndour, Prati. 

Forwards: Ambrosino. F.P. Esposito, Gnonto, Koleosho, Volpato.

#Under21

I 2⃣7⃣ #Azzurrini convocati da Carmine #Nunziata per le sfide contro Francia e Ucraina

https://t.co/sEHGxNaD5J#VivoAzzurro pic.twitter.com/tVmGD5nPEu

— Nazionale Italiana (@Azzurri) November 8, 2024

Luciano Spalletti has officially confirmed his Italy national team squad for November’s Nations League fixtures against Belgium and France, including first call-ups for Nicolo Savona, Pietro Comuzzo and Nicolo Rovella. 

Italy will play their fifth and sixth Nations League matches of the season away against Belgium on November 14 and then against France in San Siro on November 17. 

There are a few changes compared to Spalletti’s last Nations League squad back in October. Centre-backs Riccardo Calafiori and Matteo Gabbia miss out through injury, which means a return for Federico Gatti and a first senior call-up for 19-year-old Comuzzo. 

Nicolo Barella is in the squad after missing out in October while he had an operation on his nose. Nicolo Rovella is also included after Lazio’s strong start to the 2024-25 season. 

Niccolo Pisilli and Daniel Maldini, who earned their first call-ups in October, remain with the squad for the November fixtures. 

Official: Spalletti confirms latest Italy squad 

Goalkeepers: Donnarumma (PSG), Vicario (Tottenham), Meret (Napoli). 

Defenders: Bastoni (Inter), Buongiorno (Napoli), Cambiaso (Juventus), Comuzzo (Fiorentina), Di Lorenzo (Napoli), Dimarco (Inter), Gatti (Juventus), Okoli (Leicester City), Savona (Juventus), Udogie (Tottenham). 

Midfielders: Barella (Inter), Frattesi (Inter), Pisilli (Roma), Ricci (Torino), Rovella (Lazio), Tonali (Newcastle). 

Forwards: Kean (Fiorentina), Maldini (Monza), Raspadori (Napoli), Retegui (Atalanta).

𝑵𝒂𝒛𝒊𝒐𝒏𝒂𝒍𝒆

La lista dei 23 convocati del Ct Luciano #Spalletti per i due impegni in Nations League contro Belgio e Francia

https://t.co/m9hi8fRKbU#Nazionale #Azzurri #VivoAzzurro pic.twitter.com/gTTxpxbfvF

— Nazionale Italiana (@Azzurri) November 8, 2024

Serie A clubs’ results in European competitions this week pushed Italy to third place in the UEFA coefficient ranking, below Portugal and England.

Italy are close to claiming second place in the UEFA coefficient ranking after the latest round of Champions League, Europa League, and Conference League matches.

The updated ranking (via Transfermarkt) sees Serie A clubs move to third place with 8,7500 points for the ongoing 2024-25 campaign.

Italy close in on second spot in UEFA ranking for extra Champions League place

Portugal sit second with 9,200 points, while England are the current leaders with 9,428.

At the end of the season, the first two countries will get an extra spot in the 2025-26 Champions League.

Italy secured an extra Champions League place last week, finishing first in the UEFA coefficient ranking. Therefore, fifth-placed Bologna qualified for the competition for the first time in over 60 years.

Inter, Milan, Juventus, and Atalanta qualified for the Champions League via Serie A last term, although La Dea also gained access to the competition with their remarkable Europa League victory.

Teun Koopmeiners explains the differences between Thiago Motta and Gian Piero Gasperini and hopes to score his first Juventus goal soon despite playing in a new position.

The Dutch midfielder released an interview with Tuttosport discussing his summer move to Turin and Juventus’ results so far in 2024-25.

The 26-year-old spent three seasons at Atalanta before signing for the Bianconeri during the latest summer transfer window.

He had scored 29 goals in 129 appearances under Atalanta boss Gasperini.

“He [Gasperini] strongly relies on intensity and one-on-one all over the pitch in attack and defence. He does specific practice,” Koopmeiners explained.

“We also have intensity with Motta, but the team tries to defend collectively as a unit. What we do at Juventus is similar to what we do in the Netherlands: ball possession, intensity, trying to control the game, and creating many chances.

“We players talk a lot with Motta and his staff members about their requests and how we feel about adopting them,” the midfielder continued.

“Motta is very interested in knowing our feelings, even if he’s resolute about the system. It’s important that he wants to know what we feel.”

Koopmeiners on Motta, Gasperini differences and lack of Juventus goals

Gasperini’s attitude was not exactly the same.

“He was more ‘I want you to do this.’ And we had to try doing it,” said the Juventus midfielder.

Koopmeiners had a goal disallowed in a 1-1 draw against Lille in the Champions League earlier this week and is still looking for his first goal for the Bianconeri.

“I play more as a central midfielder now. We played with just one striker in Bergamo, and I was more offensive,” he said.

“Now, I must help the team more with ball possession, but I still want to press high, score goals, and provide assists.”

The Netherlands international hopes his first goal comes in tomorrow’s Derby della Mole against city rivals Torino.

“I hope so, but it’s not a problem. I want it, and it will happen sooner or later,” he said.

“The only thing that matters is that Juventus win.”

Lastly, Koopmeiners spoke highly of some of his new teammates in Turin.

“Dusan [Vlahovic] is a complete striker; he’s a top professional in how he trains. Yildiz is great too. He has fantastic talent and he’s not even 20. He has great quality in his feet. Danilo’s charisma is impressive. You can tell he’s a leader when you speak to him.”

After the conclusion of the fourth round of Champions League fixtures on Wednesday evening, there are only two sides in the competition with their perfect defensive records still intact: Reigning Serie A champions, Inter and Europa League victors, Atalanta. 

Inter and Atalanta maintain perfect Champions League defensive records

After their 1-0 victory over Arsenal in San Siro on Wednesday night, Inter have noe won their last three Champions League matches, following a 0-0 draw away against Manchester City in the opening week back in September.  

They currently sit in fifth place in the Champions League, level on points with Sporting CP in second, and just two points off the outright leaders, Liverpool – the only team left in the C competition with an 100% record after four games. 

Atalanta, meanwhile, impressed during their 2-0 victory away against VfB Stuttgart on Wednesday night. Ademola Lookman was on the scoresheet again, while Nicolo Zaniolo got his first goal in Atalanta colours. 

Gian Piero Gasperini’s side have also kept clean sheets in a 0-0 draw against Celtic, a 3-0 win over Shakhtar Donetsk and another 0-0 draw with Arsenal at the beginning of the campaign.

Gian Piero Gasperini confirms Atalanta now have ‘ambition’ in the Champions League after their 2-0 victory away to VfB Stuttgart, but has a different view of their Scudetto chances.

It was another splendid night for La Dea, who were already coming off five consecutive Serie A victories, including the 3-0 away to leaders Napoli on Sunday.

They are yet to concede a single Champions League goal and walked away from Stuttgart with three points thanks to Ademola Lookman and substitute Nicolò Zaniolo piercing the VfB defences.

Having won the Europa League last season, now they are drawing Scudetto challenge talk, so has their mentality climbed up yet another level?

“We came here with ambition, but that’s a long way from winning, because these are difficult places to play. They were coming off a fantastic win away to Juventus, but the way we won also gave us confidence, because we played with character,” Gasperini told Sky Sport Italia.

“It’s true we suffered a little towards the end, were lacking a bit of organisation to stop those situations, but I always say that Champions League games help you to grow and we saw that valuable experience earned in the Europa League last season.”

Gasperini proud of Atalanta approach

Atalanta and Inter are the only teams out of 36 in the Champions League this season who have kept four clean sheets, a remarkable run considering Gasperini’s style of football was always about attack first.

“Considering the teams that we played like Arsenal, we had a sense of solidity and didn’t really look under too much pressure. We managed to get these points built also on solid defending.

“This is a victory that puts us in a good position for this Champions League table. I don’t know how it will end, but there are many teams crammed together in a few points. Serie A is a different competition, naturally we prepare for Udinese with confidence.”

Zaniolo finally got his first goal in the Atalanta jersey, pouncing on a comical defensive error.

“I am glad for Zaniolo getting the goal, we are continuing to work with him and this is a further boost for him to keep that growth process going.”

Gasperini and Atalanta had always shrugged off any talk of winning silverware, but following the Europa League triumph last season, have they raised the bar?

“I respect everyone’s views, but in June my ambition was not so much to sign a long contract as to keep the squad intact after winning the Europa League and qualifying for the Champions League. We did not intend to sign 11 new players, but everyone knows what happened over the summer.

“If you ask me can we win the Scudetto, I would say no. We can hope to stay in that group if the others wait for us, we are pleased with our progress, but to win the title we’d need to make many more steps forward. I don’t think that’s heresy, nor hiding our light under a bushel,” concluded Gasperini.

“We were close to having a far more competitive squad, but we’ll have to build our way towards it with the club.”

Inter and Atalanta are the only teams of the 36 yet to concede a single goal in the new format of the Champions League after Matchday 4, while Liverpool are the only club with a perfect record.

The results are in from the fourth round of the Champions League and the table is beginning to take shape halfway through the run of eight games.

There is a very particular record for the Italian sides, because only Inter and Atalanta have managed to keep a clean sheet in all four matches, this evening the Nerazzurri beating Arsenal 1-0 and La Dea conquering VfB 2-0 in Stuttgart.

As for the points, Liverpool are the only team to have a perfect record of four victories and sit at the top of the table on 12 points.

Midway through the group stage, Inter are in the huddle of four teams in second place behind Liverpool on 10 points, along with Sporting CP, AS Monaco and Brest.

Atalanta are just out of the automatic promotion places on eight points, ahead of Manchester City, Juventus, Arsenal, Bayer Leverkusen, LOSC, Celtic and GNK Dinamo on seven.

Milan are on six points along with Real Madrid, Bayern Munich and Atletico Madrid, amongst others.

The big shock is that as things stand, Paris Saint-Germain are in 25^th place, where they would be eliminated from Europe altogether.

Gianluigi Donnarumma’s side were beaten by Atletico Madrid this evening, so have one win, one draw and two losses.

Bologna are in 31^st place with one point from four games and are the only side who failed to score a single goal.

Champions League table after Matchday 4

Ademola Lookman and Nicolò Zaniolo gave Atalanta a deserved and prestigious Champions League victory away to VfB Stuttgart.

La Dea were coming off five consecutive Serie A victories, including Sunday’s 3-0 away to leaders Napoli, but in Europe had one win and two 0-0 draws. Giorgio Scalvini and Gianluca Scamacca were still out of action, while VfB had beaten Juventus 1-0 in Turin and missed Dan-Axel Zagadou, Yannik Keitel, Luca Raimund and Jamie Leweling. El Bilal Touré started against his former club.

See how it all unfolded on the Liveblog.

Mario Pasalic drilled just wide from the edge of the area, but Roualt turned a free header over from six yards on the short corner routine.

There was bad news for Atalanta, who lost Sead Kolasinac to injury just 13 minutes into the match, replaced by Odilon Kossounou.

The hosts had penalty appeals waved away, as El Bilal Toure seemed to run into Davide Zappacosta rather than the other way around.

Pasalic’s first touch let him down on an Ederson through ball into the penalty area, then Millot blasted over from distance.

Charles De Ketelaere came on for the restart and made an immediate impact, as Lookman intercepted a loose ball in midfield to send the Belgian down the right dribbling past two, then was ready to meet the pull-back with a tap-in from five yards.

The deadlock is broken in Stuttgart

Ademola Lookman charges into the six-yard box to finish off a lovely bit of work from Charles De Ketelaere

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— Football on TNT Sports (@footballontnt) November 6, 2024

Ederson was booked for a tackle from behind and will be suspended for Atalanta’s next Champions League tie.

Fuhrich completed a rapid give and go down the left only for the pull-back to be intercepted with difficulty, then on the resulting corner Toure and Demirovic both failed to get the decisive touch in the six-yard box.

De Ketelaere’s crouching header on the Davide Zappacosta cross tested the goalkeeper at the near post, while Malanga’s strike was deflected onto the side-netting by Raoul Bellanova.

Stenzel came close with a ferocious effort from outside the area that swerved inches past the far post.

However, moments later VfB gifted the second goal to Atalanta, because Rouault shinned the attempted clearance and allowed Zaniolo to go clear for his first goal for this club.

VfB Stuttgart 0-2 Atalanta

Lookman 51 (A), Zaniolo 88 (A)

06-11-2024 20:00

MatchDay 4

WIRmachenDRUCK Arena

Stuttgart

Atalanta

0 - 2

Player statistic

1st half

Anrie Chase		41'
		44'		Isak Hien

2nd half

		51'		Ademola Lookman (Assist: Charles De Ketelaere)
		55'		Éderson
Ermedin Demirovic		69'
		79'		Raoul Bellanova
		88'		Nicolò Zaniolo

Match statistic

55

Possession %

45

10

Total shots

9

1

Shots on target

4

8

Shots off target

2

1

Blocked shots

3

4

Corners

3

1

Offsides

3

8

Fouls

17

Stuttgart

Atalanta

Starting lineups

33

Alexander Nübel

Goalkeeper

45

Anrie Chase

Defender

81'

29

Anthony Rouault

Defender

4

Josha Vagnoman

Defender

7

Maximilian Mittelstädt

Defender

6

Angelo Stiller

Midfielder

16

Atakan Karazor

Midfielder

74'

8

Enzo Millot

Midfielder

27

Chris Führich

Attacker

74'

26

Deniz Undav

Attacker

55'

10

El Bilal Touré

Attacker

81'

29

Marco Carnesecchi

Goalkeeper

19

Berat Djimsiti

Defender

77

Davide Zappacosta

Defender

4

Isak Hien

Defender

16

Raoul Bellanova

Defender

85'

23

Sead Kolasinac

Defender

13'

13

Éderson

Midfielder

8

Mario Pasalic

Midfielder

46'

15

Marten de Roon

Midfielder

11

Ademola Lookman

Attacker

85'

32

Mateo Retegui

Attacker

69'

Substitutes

20

Leonidas Stergiou

Defender

5

Yannik Keitel

Midfielder

2

Ameen Al-Dakhil

Defender

13

Frans Krätzig

Defender

1

Fabian Bredlow

Goalkeeper

41

Dennis Seimen

Goalkeeper

9

Ermedin Demirovic

Attacker

55'

24

Jeff Chabot

Defender

74'

32

Fabian Rieder

Midfielder

74'

15

Pascal Stenzel

Defender

81'

47

Jarzinho Malanga

Attacker

81'

28

Rui Patrício

Goalkeeper

24

Lazar Samardžić

Midfielder

7

Juan Cuadrado

Midfielder

31

Francesco Rossi

Goalkeeper

2

Rafael Tolói

Defender

27

Marco Palestra

Defender

5

Ben Godfrey

Defender

3

Odilon Kossounou

Defender

13'

17

Charles De Ketelaere

Attacker

46'

10

Nicolò Zaniolo

Midfielder

69'

22

Matteo Ruggeri

Defender

85'

44

Marco Brescianini

Midfielder

85'

Atalanta saw defender Sead Kolasinac limp off just 13 minutes into their Champions League match away to VfB Stuttgart this evening.

The centre-back was in the starting XI, but did not last long at the MHPArena in Stuttgart, as he pulled up clutching the back of his right thigh.

See how that game unfolds on the Liveblog.

According to initial reports, it is believed to be an adductor problem in the right leg.

Following some treatment with the medical staff, it was decided that he could not continue and was substituted.

Summer signing Odilon Kossounou came on in his place to complete the Atalanta back three in Germany.

Kolasinac fitness issues for Atalanta

It is another setback for Kolasinac, as the 31-year-old Bosnia and Herzegovina international has already missed several games this season due to muscular issues and flu symptoms.

La Dea were already missing Giorgio Scalvini and Gianluca Scamacca for the trip to Stuttgart this evening, the fourth match of the Champions League in its new format.

So far, Gian Piero Gasperini’s side have played a pair of 0-0 home draws against Arsenal and Celtic, plus a 3-0 victory over Shakhtar Donetsk.

On the fifth anniversary of Atalanta’s first ever Champions League point, CEO Luca Percassi tries to balance pride with humility as they visit VfB Stuttgart and deal with Scudetto talk.

It kicks off at the MHPArena in Stuttgart at 20.00 GMT.

You can follow all the build-up and action as it happens from this game and Inter-Arsenal on the Liveblog.

November 6, 2019 was the date of Atalanta’s 1-1 draw against Manchester City, representing their first ever point earned in the Champions League.

The only players who are still in the squad since that day are Berat Djimsiti, Rafael Toloi, Marten de Roon and Mario Pasalic.

“Time flies, but we are happy and being still here in the Champions League is something to be very satisfied about,” Percassi told Sky Sport Italia.

“It is important for us to pick up points, this is going to be a very difficult match against an opponent with quality and physical strength.”

Atalanta have become a European regular

La Dea finally won their first piece of European silverware, beating Bayer Leverkusen 3-0 in the Final in Dublin to lift the Europa League trophy to the sky.

Atalanta suddenly found themselves on the front page headlines and part of the Scudetto race after their 3-0 victory away to Napoli on Sunday evening.

“Sunday’s match was very pleasing, but it is only November,” noted Percassi.

“It is a starting point that gives us belief and conviction, but we are still keeping our feet on the ground. We know everything we’ve earned over the years was achieved with hard work and have many young players who still need to grow.

“That performance was great, but we will have another test of our current level this evening.”

Gian Piero Gasperini expects a ‘very different’ Champions League test for Atalanta against VfB Stuttgart after ‘banging our heads against a wall’ for 90 minutes against defensive Celtic.

It kicks off at the MHPArena in Stuttgart at 20.00 GMT.

You can follow all the build-up and action as it happens from this game and Inter-Arsenal on the Liveblog.

La Dea have won their last five Serie A matches, including a spectacular 3-0 away to leaders Napoli on Sunday.

However, in Europe they are left to regret wasted opportunities in 0-0 draws with Arsenal and Celtic, having seven points from three rounds.

Gasperini has brought in Mateo Retegui for Charles De Ketelaere and Raoul Bellanova in place of Matteo Ruggeri, the only changes from the side that beat Napoli.

“Changing two men out of 10 isn’t a little bit,” the coach told Sky Sport Italia.

“This is a different game against a different opponent, we are away from home in an arena with a great deal of enthusiasm, so we need to be focused.”

Gasperini expects attacking VfB against Atalanta

VfB Stuttgart also stuttered with a defeat to Real Madrid and 1-1 draw with Sparta Prague, but then caused shockwaves with a 1-0 victory away to Juventus on October 22.

“Stuttgart played against Real Madrid and Juventus, so considering they’ve had more shots on goal than anyone else, that’s saying something. I think it will be a very different approach to the one we had with Celtic, where we were banging our heads against a wall for over 90 minutes. In this game, both teams will try to win,” added Gasperini.

Atalanta have seven points from three rounds in this new format of the Champions League, where all the results go into one big table.

“The beauty of the Champions League is that the table starts to take shape, but the fixture list is very complicated with eight different opponents, so we have to just take it one game at a time and wait to see what happens.

“It is a big test for us to play in this situation.”

Atalanta hope Mateo Retegui, Ademola Lookman and Mario Pasalic can break VfB Stuttgart with their former striker El Bilal Touré.

It kicks off at the MHPArena in Stuttgart at 20.00 GMT.

You can follow all the build-up and action as it happens from this game and Inter-Arsenal on the Liveblog.

La Dea are on stunning Serie A form with five consecutive victories, surprising leaders Napoli with a 3-0 result at the Stadio Diego Armando Maradona on Sunday.

In Europe, they are yet to concede a single goal, but were left with regrets after 0-0 home draws against Arsenal and Celtic.

Giorgio Scalvini and Gianluca Scamacca are still out of action, but Retegui returns to the starting XI flanked by Lookman and Pasalic, sending Charles De Ketelaere to the bench.

VfB Stuttgart lost to Real Madrid and were held 1-1 by Sparta Prague, then caused shockwaves with a 1-0 victory away to Juventus on October 22.

The Germans have injury issues too, missing Dan-Axel Zagadou, Yannik Keitel, Luca Raimund and Jamie Leweling.

Touré was with Atalanta last season, but barely featured due to repeated injury problems, going on to score Stuttgart’s winner in Turin.

He starts with Deniz Undav upfront, while winger Chris Führich has shaken off a knock, sending Ermedin Demirovic to the bench.

Stuttgart vs. Atalanta line-ups

VfB Stuttgart: Nübel; Vagnoman, Chase, Rouault, Mittelstädt; Karazor, Stiller; Millot, Undav, Fürich; Touré

Atalanta: Carnesecchi; Djimsiti, Hien, Kolasinac; Bellanova, De Roon, Ederson, Zappacosta; Pasalic; Retegui, Lookman

Ref: Obrenovic (SVN)

06-11-2024 20:00

MatchDay 4

WIRmachenDRUCK Arena

Stuttgart

Atalanta

0 - 2

Player statistic

1st half

Anrie Chase		41'
		44'		Isak Hien

2nd half

		51'		Ademola Lookman (Assist: Charles De Ketelaere)
		55'		Éderson
Ermedin Demirovic		69'
		79'		Raoul Bellanova
		88'		Nicolò Zaniolo

Match statistic

55

Possession %

45

10

Total shots

9

1

Shots on target

4

8

Shots off target

2

1

Blocked shots

3

4

Corners

3

1

Offsides

3

8

Fouls

17

Stuttgart

Atalanta

Starting lineups

33

Alexander Nübel

Goalkeeper

45

Anrie Chase

Defender

81'

29

Anthony Rouault

Defender

4

Josha Vagnoman

Defender

7

Maximilian Mittelstädt

Defender

6

Angelo Stiller

Midfielder

16

Atakan Karazor

Midfielder

74'

8

Enzo Millot

Midfielder

27

Chris Führich

Attacker

74'

26

Deniz Undav

Attacker

55'

10

El Bilal Touré

Attacker

81'

29

Marco Carnesecchi

Goalkeeper

19

Berat Djimsiti

Defender

77

Davide Zappacosta

Defender

4

Isak Hien

Defender

16

Raoul Bellanova

Defender

85'

23

Sead Kolasinac

Defender

13'

13

Éderson

Midfielder

8

Mario Pasalic

Midfielder

46'

15

Marten de Roon

Midfielder

11

Ademola Lookman

Attacker

85'

32

Mateo Retegui

Attacker

69'

Substitutes

20

Leonidas Stergiou

Defender

5

Yannik Keitel

Midfielder

2

Ameen Al-Dakhil

Defender

13

Frans Krätzig

Defender

1

Fabian Bredlow

Goalkeeper

41

Dennis Seimen

Goalkeeper

9

Ermedin Demirovic

Attacker

55'

24

Jeff Chabot

Defender

74'

32

Fabian Rieder

Midfielder

74'

15

Pascal Stenzel

Defender

81'

47

Jarzinho Malanga

Attacker

81'

28

Rui Patrício

Goalkeeper

24

Lazar Samardžić

Midfielder

7

Juan Cuadrado

Midfielder

31

Francesco Rossi

Goalkeeper

2

Rafael Tolói

Defender

27

Marco Palestra

Defender

5

Ben Godfrey

Defender

3

Odilon Kossounou

Defender

13'

17

Charles De Ketelaere

Attacker

46'

10

Nicolò Zaniolo

Midfielder

69'

22

Matteo Ruggeri

Defender

85'

44

Marco Brescianini

Midfielder

85'