Palladino has new Atalanta injury problem and wants focus on Napoli

Raffaele Palladino reveals a new injury problem forcing changes for Atalanta against Napoli, insisting they will ‘think about the Champions League from tomorrow.’

It kicks off at the New Balance Arena in Bergamo at 14.00 GMT (15.00 CET).

You can follow all the build-up and action as it happens from today’s Serie A games on the Liveblog.

There are a few changes to the starting XI, as rotation is necessary following the midweek Champions League play-off in Germany.

Palladino forced into some Atalanta changes

“Ederson had a muscular issue in training yesterday, he worked with the group, but I don’t want to risk doing any further damage,” Palladino told DAZN Italia.

“He wanted to be here, but I preferred not to take risks, as there are so many more games coming up. I am sure Mario Pasalic will replace him very well.

“Kamaldeen Sulemana starts today, because he trained well and always proved himself when participating.”

La Dea have been surging up the standings since Palladino took over from Ivan Juric in November 2025, and his debut was the 3-1 defeat to Napoli at the Stadio Diego Armando Maradona.

They also set up a Coppa Italia semi-final with Lazio, but their Champions League participation is at risk after the 2-0 play-off loss to Borussia Dortmund.

“I am focusing on this match, which is very important for us, and we can think about the Champions League from tomorrow,” insisted Palladino.

“We’ve got to think today about a situation where every point is worth double, but we also want to prove ourselves against a strong opponent on our home turf.”

The second leg is coming up on Wednesday, with Charles De Ketelaere and Giacomo Raspadori still out of action.

Napoli also have a long absentee list, but start Alisson Santos and bring Rasmus Hojlund back to Bergamo, where his career really took off.

“There are many details that are important in these matches, as if you press Napoli high, they will just pierce your defence with vertical balls,” added Palladino.

“They have rapid wing-backs, so if you sit back and wait for them, they’ll get around you and dominate possession. We must have the perfect performance and show hunger.

“Napoli won the Scudetto last season, so they are accustomed to these games. I can’t wait for it to start.”