Atalanta vs Inter: A test of the Nerazzurri's top spot mentality.
Inter Milan travel to Bergamo aiming to defend their top spot in Serie A, while hosts Atalanta face a difficult challenge without star player Ademola Lookman.
Matchday 17 of Serie A 2025/26 features a highly anticipated clash between Atalanta and Inter Milan at the New Balance Arena. With the Scudetto race incredibly tight, Cristian Chivu's team must secure all three points to maintain their slender lead over their chasing rivals.
Inter Milan and the pressure of being at the top.
Inter entered their final match of 2025 as leaders. Their recent 2-1 victory against Genoa propelled them to the top of the table, one point ahead of AC Milan and two points ahead of Napoli. Their pragmatic style of play and composure in crucial moments remain the Nerazzurri's most potent weapons under Chivu.
Inter's biggest asset right now is...Lautaro MartinezThe Argentinian striker is maintaining a consistent goal-scoring record, having found the net in three consecutive matches. Notably, Atalanta is a favorable opponent for Lautaro, as he has been directly involved in nine goals in 12 domestic league encounters.
Atalanta: The difficult problem named Ademola Lookman
On the other side of the pitch, Atalanta is showing signs of improvement with a streak of four consecutive home wins. However, coach Palladino is facing a huge personnel blow. The absence of Ademola Lookman and Odilon Kossounou, who returned to participate in the Africa Cup of Nations, has deprived the Bergamo team of half of their attacking strength on the flanks.
With Lookman absent, the home team's hopes rest entirely on...Gianluca ScamaccaDespite a history of recurring injuries, the striker has managed to score 5 goals since Palladino took over the team. Scamacca's attacking prowess will be a challenge for Inter's defense, which is currently missing the formidable Francesco Acerbi.
Tactical and confrontational analysis
Inter Milan are expected to continue operating with a 3-5-2 formation, with the important return of Hakan Calhanoglu and Matteo Darmian. The key to the match will be in the midfield, where the trio of Barella, Calhanoglu, and Mkhitaryan will strive to control the tempo against pressure from Atalanta's Ederson and Musah.
Historical statistics heavily favor the away team. Inter have won all six of their most recent encounters and maintain a 13-match unbeaten streak against La Dea. The last time Atalanta defeated Inter in Serie A was over six years ago (November 2018).
Predicted lineup
- Atalanta (3-4-2-1):Carnesecchi; De Roon, Hien, Kolasinac; Zappacosta, Musah, Ederson, Bernasconi; De Ketelaere, Samardzic; Scamacca.
- Inter (3-5-2):Sommer; Akanji, Bisseck, Bastoni; Henrique, Barella, Calhanoglu, Mkhitaryan, Dimarco; Thuram, Lautaro Martinez.
Despite Atalanta's good home form, the absence of game-changing players like Lookman could leave them struggling against a seasoned Inter side with a full complement of strong players in key positions. A hard-fought 2-1 victory for the Nerazzurri is a very likely scenario.
