Coppa Italia crunch time: Atalanta, Napoli, Inter chase quarters | OneFootball

Atalanta, Napoli, and Inter return to the field today for the Coppa Italia Round of 16, on a Wednesday that could significantly impact their seasonal journey.

Coppa Italia, decisive day: Atalanta, Napoli, and Inter launch their assault on the quarterfinals

The schedule features three matches spread throughout the day: Atalanta-Genoa at 3 PM, Napoli-Cagliari at 6 PM, and Inter-Venezia at 9 PM, with full live coverage on Italia 1.

“Atalanta, consistency needed”: Palladino makes changes but aims to continue the team’s growth

The new Atalanta led by Raffaele Palladino wants to confirm their positive momentum after victories against Eintracht Frankfurt and Fiorentina. Today, the test of maturity comes against a resurgent Genoa, revitalized by the work of Daniele De Rossi.

Palladino is expected to opt for a measured rotation:

Sportiello is set for his season debut between the posts,

Kolasinac returns to defense, finally recovered after a long absence,

various rotations in midfield and the attacking midfield to manage energy levels.

On the other side, De Rossi will maintain the competitive setup seen in recent outings, but will introduce some new faces to keep balance and intensity. Siegrist is expected in goal, Masini in midfield, and the returning Norton-Cuffy on the right flank.

Probable lineups

Atalanta (3-4-2-1): Sportiello; Kossonou, Djimsiti, Kolasinac; Bellanova, Ederson, Pasalic, Zalewski; Samardzic, Maldini; Krstovic Genoa (3-5-2): Siegrist; Marcandalli, Ostigard, Otoa; Norton-Cuffy, Frendrup, Stanciu, Masini, Fini; Venturino, Ekhator

“Napoli, targeted rotation”: Conte seeks qualification with a renewed squad

Napoli wants to put last season’s early elimination behind them. Antonio Conte has planned a broad but controlled rotation to manage energy and at the same time evaluate alternative solutions.

Among the changes:

Juan Jesus back as a starter in defense,

Mazzocchi making his season debut on the right wing,

youngster Vergara confirmed in midfield alongside Elmas,

Ambrosino in attack together with Lucca and Politano.

Pisacane’s Cagliari, on the other hand, will not change much compared to the league match against Juventus, with the clear goal of fighting for qualification until the end.

Probable lineups

Napoli (3-4-2-1): Milinkovic-Savic; Beukema, Juan Jesus, Olivera; Mazzocchi, Vergara, Elmas, Spinazzola; Politano, Ambrosino; Lucca Cagliari (3-5-2): Caprile; Zappa, Deiola, Luperto; Palestra, Liteta, Adopo, Folorunsho, Obert; Esposito, Borrelli

“Inter, it’s the youngsters’ turn”: Chivu entrusts the attack to Pio Esposito

The evening will close at San Siro, where Inter seeks confirmation after their win over Pisa, necessary to lift the spirits in a delicate moment. Chivu will field a lineup full of second-string players, but with a solid and experienced core.

In detail:

De Vrij and Bastoni will lead the defense,

Frattesi will have a central role in midfield,

up front, Pio Esposito is confirmed, joined by Bonny or Thuram, with the latter being evaluated after the flu.

Venezia, surprising in Serie B and eager for a prestigious evening, will rely on their starting block. Plizzari is expected to be chosen in goal.

Probable lineups

Inter (3-5-2): J. Martinez; Bisseck, De Vrij, Bastoni; Luis Henrique, Frattesi, Zielinski, Sucic, Carlos Augusto; Bonny, Pio Esposito Venezia (3-5-2): Plizzari; Korac, Svoboda, Sverko; Sagrado, Busio, Bohinen, Doumbia, Haps; Adorante, Fila.

This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇮🇹 here.