Celtic’s next Champions League opponents, Atalanta, sent a strong message across Europe with a dominant display in Serie A today. The Italian side demolished Genoa, spearheaded by a hat-trick from in-form striker Mateo Retegui, who also provided an assist in the match.
This lethal performance marks his seventh goal in as many league appearances this season, showcasing the kind of form Celtic will need to contend with.
Under the guidance of Gian Piero Gasperini, Atalanta have become a potent force, winning their last two league games. This will be a concern to Celtic fans after the heavy defeat against Borussia Dortmund last time out in the Champions League.
The Scottish Champions were picked apart in Germany, and Atalanta’s current attacking threat suggests a similar danger awaits if Celtic don’t adapt their approach.
Gasperini’s men seem to be in the mood for goals, and with Celtic failing miserably in Germany, questions will rightly be raised about whether Brendan Rodgers can come up with a plan to stop the Italian side.
Defensive discipline will be paramount, as Celtic cannot afford the kind of lapses seen in their previous Champions League outing. The midfield battle will also be crucial, with the Hoops needing to find a way to disrupt Atalanta’s flow and prevent their free-scoring attack from running riot once again.
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.
