PREVIEW: Chelsea travel to Italy to face Atalanta in a crucial Champions League clash | OneFootball

Enzo Maresca’s side currently sit in a strong Champions League position, with seventh place after five European games putting the Blues in a promising – if not entirely secure – spot. The margins remain tight, with just two points separating 6th from 17th in the table.

Chelsea arrive in Italy fresh from a statement win over Hansi Flick’s Barcelona at Stamford Bridge, a performance built on grit, desire and, in the case of Estêvão’s goal, genuine quality.

That convincing 3–0 victory was thoroughly deserved, but Atalanta are likely to offer a very different and much tougher test.

Even so, Chelsea can take confidence from their record on Italian soil, having won their last three matches against Serie A sides without conceding a goal.

Despite their strong European showings, domestic form has dipped since that win over Barcelona in November. Home draws with Arsenal and Bournemouth were followed by a poor outing at Elland Road, where Leeds ran out 3–1 winners after a desperately flat Chelsea performance.

If Maresca’s side wants to cement a deep Champions League run, they will need to rediscover their sharpness quickly.

Their hosts, Atalanta, continue to be one of Europe’s great overachievers. Under Gian Piero Gasperini, the former mid-table outfit have transformed into one of the continent’s most consistent and tactically distinctive teams.

They head into this fixture level with Chelsea on ten points from five matches, having recorded the same three wins, one draw and one defeat. Their only loss came against reigning champions Paris Saint-Germain on matchday one, and they have impressed ever since.

Domestically, it’s been a different story: Atalanta sit 12th in Serie A with just three league wins, suggesting their focus has clearly shifted towards European competition – something that could play into Chelsea’s hands.

Chelsea will welcome back Moisés Caicedo, who remains suspended in the Premier League but is eligible in Europe. That availability may influence Maresca’s rotation, with Reece James a candidate to be rested as the manager continues to carefully manage his fitness.

Up front, the Blues are light again following Liam Delap’s shoulder injury in the draw with Bournemouth, which is expected to keep the England striker out for an extended spell.

Atalanta emerged from their defeat to Hellas Verona without fresh injuries, though they continue to be without Kamaldeen Sulemana (muscle) and Mitchel Bakker (ACL), two players who have been significant contributors in recent seasons. Their display against Verona was troubling, however, and may force Gasperini into serious selection decisions ahead of Chelsea’s visit.

Predicted Line-Ups

ATA: Carnesecchi; Kossounou, Hien, Djimsiti; Bellanova, Ederson, Pasalic, Zalewski; De Ketelaere, Lookman; Scamacca