Atalanta's manager, Raffaele Palladino, emphasises that his team must deliver an impeccable performance to overcome Chelsea in their upcoming Champions League match. Enzo Maresca's squad will visit the New Balance Arena on Tuesday, facing an Atalanta side gaining momentum under Palladino's guidance. After replacing Ivan Juric due to a series of poor results, Palladino has secured three wins in five matches across all competitions.
Despite recent successes, Atalanta suffered a defeat against Verona last weekend. This loss has motivated Palladino to urge his players to bounce back strongly. "We have to begin again after a bad performance," he stated on Monday. The team is eager to prove themselves against Chelsea and avoid repeating past mistakes.
Palladino expressed confidence in his players' determination to make amends for the Verona setback.
Atalanta's Champions League journey under Palladino began with a convincing 3-0 victory over Eintracht Frankfurt. Currently, they sit 10th in the 36-team standings, tied on points with Chelsea but trailing due to goal difference. This encounter marks the first European meeting between Atalanta and Chelsea. Historically, Atalanta has struggled against English teams in the Champions League, winning only once in seven attempts.
Defensively, Atalanta has been impressive, keeping eight clean sheets in their last 15 Champions League games since last season began. Among teams participating in both campaigns, only Inter boasts a higher clean sheet rate than Atalanta's 53%. Palladino aims to maintain this defensive solidity while pushing for greater consistency across all competitions.
Chelsea approaches this match following a goalless draw with Bournemouth and a 3-1 defeat by Leeds United. However, they recently stunned Barcelona with a 3-0 win at Stamford Bridge in their last European fixture. "I want a perfect performance," reiterated Palladino. He believes facing strong opponents like Chelsea provides valuable insights and challenges for his team.
Palladino highlighted the importance of teamwork and individual contributions to achieve significant goals. "We need everyone to step up," he said. He also acknowledged the need for more time with his players to reignite their enthusiasm after some challenging months.
Friendship and Rivalry
Reflecting on his relationship with Chelsea's coach Enzo Maresca, Palladino shared his admiration for Maresca's achievements. "I am happy for Maresca and all he is doing," he remarked, recalling their friendship from their Juventus days. Despite this camaraderie, Palladino remains focused on preparing his team for the formidable challenge posed by Chelsea.
The upcoming clash promises excitement as both teams seek crucial points in their Champions League campaigns. With Atalanta eager to recover from recent setbacks and Chelsea aiming to build on their European success, fans can anticipate an intense battle at New Balance Arena.
Already focus #AtalantaChelsea #UCL #GoAtalantaGopic.twitter.com/Yhcbknlkei
- Atalanta B.C. (@Atalanta_BC) December 8, 2025
As anticipation builds for this pivotal match-up, both teams are determined to showcase their strengths on the European stage. The outcome could significantly impact their standings as they strive for advancement in the competition.
