Atalanta expert Nigel from Atalanta BC News thinks the Hoops are in for another tough night in the Champions League tomorrow.
CeltsAreHere sat down with the Englishman, who is based in Bergamo, to learn more about the Bhoys’ latest European opponents. The full interview is available to watch on our YouTube channel.
Atalanta’s Ademola Lookman celebrates scoring their second goal with Lazar Samardzic REUTERS/Piroschka Van De Wouw
The Hoops head to Bergamo aiming to bounce back from a dismal defeat in Dortmund a few weeks ago, but it will be easier said than done.
Indeed, Atalanta are on their best run of form of the season so far. Although things were somewhat up and down at the start, Gian Piero Gasperini’s side have recently found their feet.
“It’s always a little bit of a rollercoaster,” admitted Nigel.
“We started really well, then we had an iffy kind of period when we didn’t pick up a huge amount of points…and the last three games we’ve been absolutely excellent against Shakhtar, Genoa, and at the weekend [vs Venezia].
“I’ve got the feeling we’re going to go on a bit of a run.”
It sounds like Celtic are playing Atalanta at the worst time possible. Nigel, however, pinpointed some areas the Bhoys could look to exploit.
“If we score and we get in front against weaker opposition, we tend to switch off and let teams back into the game,” he said.
“Defensively, as well, we’re so vulnerable to counter-attacks and people getting down the sides.
“Crossing, corners, defending from set-pieces, and getting done on the break have always been our historical weaknesses.”
Although the Serie A outfit might be unsteady defensively, they have a wealth of attacking firepower.
Ademola Lookman, who Brendan Rodgers wanted to sign during his previous Celtic spell, is a constant threat.
Nigel, though, pinpointed a slightly less notable name who could be a difference-maker.
“[Mateo] Retegui is very much the form guy,” he said.
“He’s had eight goals in eight games to start the season, and I think it’s 13 in 15 if you count all the internationals.
“He’s absolutely cooking at the moment. Every time he gets in front of goal everything seems to turn to gold.”
Celtic’s nullification of the threat of Italian international striker Retegui will be key if they are to take anything home from Bergamo tomorrow.
Rodgers knows his side must be more defensively sound than they were against Dortmund on matchday two.
According to Nigel, however, the Italians can cut through teams ‘like a hot knife through butter’. The Parkhead faithful will hope that isn’t the case tomorrow night.
Kick-off is at 5.45pm, with the match live on TNT Sports 4 and Discovery+.
You can watch our full YouTube interview with Nigel from Atalanta BC News here.
