Atalanta’s Weekend Warning to Celtic

Atalanta, Celtic’s upcoming Champions League opponents, made a powerful statement throughout Europe tonight with their commanding performance in Serie A. With a hat-trick from in-form striker Mateo Retegui, who also contributed an assist, the Italian team crushed Genoa.
His eighth goal in as many league games this season is evidence of his deadly performance and the kind of form Celtic will have to deal with.

Atalanta has emerged as a formidable force under Gian Piero Gasperini’s leadership, having won their previous two league games. Following their recent crushing Champions League loss to Borussia Dortmund, Celtic supporters will be worried about this.

The Germans thoroughly dismantled the Scottish Champions, and Atalanta’s present offensive threat implies that if Celtic don’t change their strategy, a similar risk may arise.

Gasperini’s team appears hungry for goals, and given Celtic’s dismal performance in Germany, it is only fair to wonder if Brendan Rodgers can devise a strategy to neutralize the Italian team.

Celtic cannot afford the kind of defensive mistakes they saw in their previous Champions League game, so discipline on defense will be crucial. In order to stop Atalanta’s free-scoring offense from going wild once more, the Hoops will need to find a method to interrupt their flow in the midfield duel.

Rodgers and his coaching staff will have their work cut out preparing for this challenge, knowing that another heavy defeat will only see a bigger pile on from those who want to see Celtic be competitive.