Atalanta’s transformation under Raffaele Palladino has been remarkable. Three wins from his first five games, 11 goals scored, and a style that’s once again easy on the eye. Can they really keep this up against Premier League royalty? Maybe. La Dea’s 3-0 victory at Eintracht Frankfurt reminded everyone of their ability to counterattack with venom, while their defensive structure: eight clean sheets in 15 Champions League outings, remains solid. Still, their recent 3-1 Serie A loss to Verona was a sobering reminder that old habits die hard. This group has quality, but they’ll need consistency to make a real dent in Europe.

What’s changed since Gian Piero Gasperini left? Quite a lot. Palladino’s approach is less chaotic, more balanced, and players like Charles De Ketelaere have flourished under him. The Belgian has five goals and six assists in his last 11 European games, his creative flair turning heads across the continent. Gianluca Scamacca is expected to lead the line, while Ademola Lookman brings pace and unpredictability on the break. Even so, Atalanta’s record against English clubs (four wins from 11) isn’t exactly fear-inducing. That said, there’s something brewing in Bergamo and the fans can feel it.

On the other hand, Chelsea arrive at a strange crossroads. Enzo Maresca’s men showed sparks of brilliance in that 3-0 dismantling of Barcelona, but their domestic form since has dipped, one win in four, including a flat 0-0 draw at Bournemouth. They’re a young team, inconsistent but full of talent. Moisés Caicedo returns fresh from suspension, while 18-year-old Estêvão could feature after scoring three in Europe already. “We’re learning to suffer,” Maresca said recently, a telling quote that sums up where Chelsea are right now – capable, yet unpredictable. Their last three European trips to Italy ended in clean-sheet wins, though, and that confidence might just tilt the balance.

History also adds intrigue. This will be Chelsea’s 100th away game in the competition, a milestone for a club that’s seen it all on the continent. The Blues have more away wins in their first 100 games (41) than any other English team. It’s hard to say how this one will end, but if Chelsea can rediscover their attacking spark and maintain focus in the second half, when Atalanta usually strike, they might edge it. Whatever happens, expect a fiercely contested match, packed with tactical intrigue and moments of brilliance. For more in-depth analysis, check out our full slate of Champions League Predictions updated daily at XpertStats.

Local authorities in Milan and Bergamo have introduced strict public-order measures as 5,600 Liverpool and Chelsea supporters arrive for their Champions League matches against Inter and Atalanta. To prevent disturbances, both cities imposed temporary bans on takeaway alcohol and glass or can containers across key central areas and near the stadiums, reflecting heightened security needs for two rival English fanbases traveling within close proximity. Source: Gazzetta.it