Atalanta vs Bologna Predicted Lineups: Team News and Starting XI

Atalanta welcome Bologna to the New Balance Arena in Bergamo for this Serie A clash in Round 2 of the 2026 season. The hosts opened their campaign with a win and sit 6th in the table with 3 points, 2 goals scored and 1 conceded. Bologna, by contrast, started with a defeat and come into the weekend in 16th place, with 0 points and no goals scored so far.

With Atalanta targeting the upper reaches of the league – currently flagged in the “Play-offs” bracket – and Bologna looking to avoid slipping into early-season trouble, this fixture already carries weight. Recent meetings between the sides have been tight, and with both managers still shaping their squads in the early weeks, predicted lineups and the expected starting lineup choices will be under the spotlight.

Stats suggest Atalanta arrive in better form: they have a 100% league record so far (form string “W”), while Bologna are still searching for their first points after an opening “L”. Model probabilities give Atalanta and the draw equal footing at 45% each, with Bologna at just 10%, underlining how crucial team news and the final starting lineup could be in tilting the balance.

Atalanta Team News & Expected Lineups Today

Atalanta’s squad is not at full strength. Four defenders/attackers are ruled out: H. Ahanor, I. Hien, T. Kristensen and K. Sulemana all miss this fixture. Even so, the Bergamo side showed in their opening win that they can cope, and their league form of “W” hints at a confident, front-foot approach at home.

Based on their early-season numbers and last match’s shape, Atalanta are expected to maintain an attacking-minded setup, using their depth in midfield and attack to press high and create overloads in the final third. The predicted lineups lean heavily on in-form forwards like G. Raspadori and N. Krstović, plus creative midfielders such as G. Gaetano, who already features among the league’s top assist providers.

Atalanta Predicted Lineups & Starting Lineup

Predicted Starting XI:
GK: M. Carnesecchi
DF: M. Bakker, S. Kolašinac, O. Kossounou, G. Scalvini, D. Zappacosta, R. Bellanova
MF: Éderson, G. Gaetano, Mario Pasalic
FW: G. Raspadori

This expected starting lineup for Atalanta is built around continuity and form. In goal, M. Carnesecchi is the standout option from a deep goalkeeping pool and offers stability behind a flexible defensive unit featuring M. Bakker, S. Kolašinac, O. Kossounou, G. Scalvini, D. Zappacosta and R. Bellanova. With several defenders unavailable through injury, these seven are the core fit options, allowing for a compact but aggressive defensive block that can also push high and support attacks from wide areas.

In midfield, Éderson and Mario Pasalic bring balance, pressing and late runs into the box, while G. Gaetano is a key creative hub. Gaetano already has 1 assist this season from 90 minutes, with 68 completed passes at 92% accuracy and 1 key pass, underlining his importance between the lines. Ahead of them, G. Raspadori is expected to lead the line. He has started the season strongly with 1 goal, a rating of 8.3, and excellent link play (17 passes at 94% accuracy, plus 3 tackles and 2 interceptions), suggesting he will be central to Atalanta’s pressing and combination play.

Off the bench, N. Krstović is a major weapon. He is already among the league’s top scorers with 1 goal in just 30 minutes, 3 shots (2 on target) and a 7.3 rating. He also appears in the top assists list thanks to his 1 key pass, showing he can both finish and create. Even if he does not start, his presence shapes how Atalanta can change the game in the second half, and his form is a big factor in the predicted lineups discussion.

Bologna Team News & Expected Lineups Today

Bologna travel to Bergamo on the back of an opening-day defeat and a league form string of “L”. They have one confirmed absence: defender N. Casale is ruled out with a muscle injury. Otherwise, there are no additional listed injuries, so the coach should have a largely full squad to choose from as he looks to improve on a start that produced no goals and 1 conceded.

With their only league outing ending in a 0–1 loss and a relatively defensive statistical profile (0 goals for, 1 against, and a failed-to-score mark at home), Bologna are likely to set up in a cautious, structured shape similar to their previous 4-2-3-1 configuration. Expect them to lean on their wide players and experienced attackers to threaten in transition. The phrase “lineups today” will be closely watched by fans, particularly regarding whether creative profiles like F. Bernardeschi and R. Orsolini both make the starting lineup.

Bologna Predicted Lineups & Starting Lineup

Predicted Starting XI:
GK: Ł. Skorupski
DF: Juan Miranda, M. Vitík, T. Heggem, E. Holm
MF: L. Ferguson, N. Moro, T. Pobega, O. El Azzouzi, N. Cambiaghi
FW: F. Bernardeschi

Bologna’s expected starting lineup keeps faith with experience and balance. In goal, Ł. Skorupski is the senior option and should anchor the back line. With N. Casale out, central defensive responsibility likely falls to M. Vitík and T. Heggem, flanked by Juan Miranda on the left and E. Holm or N. Zortea on the right. This unit will be tasked with containing Atalanta’s fluid front line and dealing with late runs from midfield.

In midfield, L. Ferguson and N. Moro provide work rate and ball progression, while T. Pobega and O. El Azzouzi add physicality and box-to-box presence. N. Cambiaghi is a key figure to watch: he appears in both the top yellow cards and top red cards lists, with 1 yellow card in 60 minutes, 3 tackles, 1 interception and 16 duels contested (8 won). His aggressive style can help disrupt Atalanta’s build-up, but discipline will be vital. Further forward, F. Bernardeschi is the predicted focal point in attack, supported by wide and attacking midfield options such as J. Rowe, R. Orsolini or R. Piccoli, depending on how adventurous Bologna want to be away from home. This shape aims to keep the side compact while still offering counter-attacking threat.

Injuries and Suspended Players Impact

Absences play a meaningful role in shaping how this match could unfold. Atalanta’s injury list is longer and concentrated in defensive and attacking depth, which may limit rotation options. Bologna’s single confirmed absentee is in central defence, affecting their stability at the back.

Atalanta Absences:

• H. Ahanor — Muscle Injury (Missing Fixture)
• I. Hien — Muscle Injury (Missing Fixture)
• T. Kristensen — Ankle Injury (Missing Fixture)
• K. Sulemana — Knee Injury (Missing Fixture)

Bologna Absences:

• N. Casale — Muscle Injury (Missing Fixture)

Tactical Analysis: How the Lineups Match Up

Tactically, this game sets up as Atalanta’s proactive, attacking approach against Bologna’s more conservative, structured style. Atalanta’s recent league numbers show 2 goals scored from their single match, with strong attacking and form indices. With creators like G. Gaetano and finishers such as G. Raspadori and N. Krstović, they are well equipped to test Bologna’s back line through quick combinations, half-space runs and high pressing. The wide defenders – D. Zappacosta, R. Bellanova and M. Bakker – are likely to push on, pinning Bologna’s wingers deep and creating overloads on the flanks.

Bologna, who have yet to score in the league this season, will likely focus on defensive organisation and counter-attacks. The central midfield trio of L. Ferguson, N. Moro and T. Pobega can form a compact shield in front of the defence, with N. Cambiaghi’s work rate and aggression helping to disrupt Atalanta’s rhythm. Out wide and in the final third, players like F. Bernardeschi and R. Orsolini can exploit any space left behind Atalanta’s advancing full-backs, especially if the hosts commit numbers forward. The key tactical battle may come in the half-spaces: if Gaetano and Pasalic find room between Bologna’s lines, Atalanta should generate enough chances; if Bologna’s midfield block stays tight and transitions quickly, they can turn Atalanta’s dominance of possession into defensive vulnerability.

Match Prediction and Verdict

Based on early-season form, squad depth and the statistical comparison, Atalanta deserve their status as favourites. The prediction model gives both Atalanta and the draw a 45% chance, with Bologna at just 10%. Atalanta’s overall comparison indices in attack and form are clearly superior, while Bologna’s main positives lie in defensive resilience rather than offensive output.

The goals advice leans towards a low-scoring contest, combining an Atalanta win with under 3.5 total goals. That aligns with both teams’ early defensive numbers: Atalanta have conceded only once, and Bologna have been involved in a single 0–1 game. With that in mind, a narrow home win looks the most plausible outcome, especially with Atalanta’s attacking quality and home advantage at the New Balance Arena.

Predicted Outcome: Atalanta 2–0 Bologna

How to Watch Atalanta vs Bologna Worldwide

Here is how you can watch the match and see the official lineups today live:

• Spain: Local pay-TV sports channel / major streaming platform
• UK: Leading sports broadcaster or official Serie A streaming partner
• USA / North America: Regional sports network or subscription-based football streaming service
• South America: Continental sports channel with Serie A rights or affiliated streaming app
• MENA: Pan-regional satellite sports network or digital streaming service covering Serie A