Atalanta - Venezia: an important clash in Bergamo after a difficult start to the season
Atalanta and Venezia meet on Monday, October 12, 2026, at 18:30, in a match from the sixth round of the Italian Serie A 2026/2027 season. The venue is the New Balance Arena in Bergamo, a stadium located at Viale Giulio Cesare 18, where both teams will attempt to end their disappointing runs of results. Atalanta are seeking their first league victory after three consecutive defeats, while Venezia arrive without a single point from their opening five matches.
The match takes place after the international break, giving coaches Maurizio Sarri and Giovanni Stroppa an opportunity to reorganize their teams and adjust their tactical plans. Atalanta opened the season with two victories, but defeats against Roma, Cagliari and Juventus quickly changed the mood in Bergamo. Venezia, returning to the highest level of Italian football, are still searching for a match in which they can turn their initial energy into points.
For supporters planning a trip to Bergamo, this encounter offers an interesting combination of football uncertainty and a visit to one of Italy's recognizable stadiums. Ticket sales began on October 2, and seat availability depends on the individual section. It is worth securing tickets in good time, particularly when the trip involves transport or overnight accommodation arranged in advance.
Serie A standings and what is at stake for both teams
After five league rounds, Atalanta sit in 11th place with six points, while Venezia occupy the bottom, 20th position, without any points. The difference in the standings does not mean that the home side enter the match without problems. Atalanta have scored only five goals in five matches, and their last three league appearances have all ended in defeat.
Venezia have conceded 13 goals during the same period while scoring four. These figures illustrate why defensive stability is one of the main concerns for Giovanni Stroppa. The visitors have managed to find the opposition net in certain matches, but have not controlled the periods following conceded goals well enough.
Atalanta's league results so far:
- Atalanta - Sassuolo 2:1 - victory in the season opener.
- Atalanta - Bologna 1:0 - second consecutive victory.
- Roma - Atalanta 2:1 - first league defeat.
- Atalanta - Cagliari 1:2 - another setback in front of their home supporters.
- Juventus - Atalanta 2:0 - third consecutive defeat.
Three points are important for Atalanta to remain in touch with the teams in the upper part of the table. Another setback would increase the pressure on Sarri, especially because a trip to Milan follows the match against Venezia.
Venezia have a different objective. The team must start collecting points as soon as possible in their battle to remain in Serie A. After the away match in Bergamo, they face Napoli at home, making it clear that the schedule does not offer the visitors an easy way out of their poor run of results.
Atalanta and Maurizio Sarri: searching for attacking efficiency
The arrival of Maurizio Sarri brought a change in football philosophy. In previous seasons, Atalanta were known for their intensity, direct attacking play and aggressive approach, while Sarri is attempting to establish a system based on more precise positional organization, ball control and connections between the midfield and forwards.
Such a change requires adaptation, and results so far indicate that the team is still searching for balance. The finishing problem is particularly evident. Five goals in five league rounds is too little for a squad featuring attacking players such as Gianluca Scamacca, Charles De Ketelaere and Nikola Krstović.
The 2:0 defeat against Juventus before the international break further highlighted the difficulties in front of goal. Atalanta failed to find the attacking rhythm needed to get back into the match, and will now attempt to produce a different performance in front of their supporters.
Sarri could opt for a 4-2-3-1 system against Venezia. Such a formation provides the forwards with support from players operating between the lines, while the two central midfielders should ensure sufficient control against the visitors' formation featuring five midfielders.
According to the latest previews, Gianluca Scamacca has the advantage over Nikola Krstović for the position at the centre of the attack. His ability to hold up the ball, play with his back to goal and finish inside the penalty area could be important against Venezia's defence.
Charles De Ketelaere could play a key role in the space behind the striker. His movement between the lines creates opportunities for combinations with wide players, and Atalanta need precisely these solutions to break through an organized defensive block.
Venezia seek their first points and defensive security
Venezia reached Serie A after winning the Serie B title the previous season. However, their return to the elite level of Italian football has proved demanding. Giovanni Stroppa's team lost all five of their opening league matches.
Defeats against Lecce and Milan, both by 2:0, highlighted problems with attacking organization. Away to Frosinone, Venezia scored twice but lost 3:2. A similar problem occurred against Fiorentina, who won 4:2. In their most recent league appearance, Lazio defeated Venezia 2:0.
At a press conference on October 10, Stroppa emphasized that the international break had helped the team recover players and improve the quality of their training work. He stressed the importance of reducing mistakes, defending better and becoming more efficient in finishing attacks.
This is particularly important against Atalanta. Venezia cannot rely exclusively on defending deep in their own half, as that would give the hosts too much space for sustained attacks. On the other hand, playing too openly would leave space behind the wide players.
Akor Adams is one of the forwards expected to make the greatest contribution. He scored one goal in the opening five league rounds, but against Atalanta his role will not be limited to finishing. Venezia will need a player capable of retaining the ball after long passes and allowing his teammates to move out of their defensive block.
John Yeboah could be an important attacking partner, particularly because of his ability to make runs into space and attack the home side's defensive line. Stroppa's team must make better use of the moments when they win possession, because defending for prolonged periods against Atalanta carries significant risk.
Key players who could decide the match
Several individuals have particularly important roles in Atalanta's team. Gianluca Scamacca could lead the attack, while Charles De Ketelaere brings technique and creativity in the final third. Jonathan Rowe offers the possibility of increasing the tempo on the left, while Raoul Bellanova provides runs forward and crosses from the right flank.
In midfield, Éderson and Franck Kessié are expected to carry significant responsibility. Their task will be to maintain the rhythm and prevent quick attacks by the visitors. If Atalanta manage to control second balls following cleared crosses, Venezia will find it much harder to move out of their own half.
Giorgio Scalvini is important for defensive organization, particularly because of the absences of other centre-backs. Goalkeeper Marco Carnesecchi could also have a significant role when Venezia attempt to surprise the hosts with a quick counterattack.
For Venezia, the following players stand out:
- Akor Adams - a forward expected to provide finishing and hold up the ball under pressure.
- John Yeboah - an attacking option for penetrating runs and movement behind the defensive line.
- Kike Pérez - a midfielder important for connecting defence and attack.
- Simon Sohm - a candidate for central midfield, with an important role in physically demanding duels.
- Filip Stanković - a goalkeeper whose saves could be decisive if Atalanta create a large number of chances.
The home side have more attacking options for changing the rhythm during the match. In addition to Scamacca, Sarri can also consider Nikola Krstović, while Lazar Samardžić and Mario Pašalić provide further solutions for midfield and the attacking phase.
For Venezia, reducing the number of balls lost in midfield will be particularly important. If the visitors manage to retain possession after Atalanta's initial pressure, they can force the hosts to return to their defensive positions and find space for Adams and Yeboah.
Tactical expectations: 4-2-3-1 against 3-5-2
According to predicted lineups, Atalanta could play in a 4-2-3-1 system and Venezia in a 3-5-2 formation. Final decisions are expected shortly before kick-off, but even these potential formations reveal interesting tactical matchups.
Atalanta are expected to seek possession control, width through their wide players and movement between defensive lines. The space between the visitors' centre-backs and wide players could be particularly important, with De Ketelaere and Rowe attempting to create numerical superiority.
Venezia will aim to maintain a compact defence with three centre-backs, while their wide players will have dual responsibilities. Thierry Correia and Antoine Hainaut, if they start the match, will have to help close down spaces while also providing width during attacks.
One of the most important questions will be whether Atalanta can quickly regain the ball after losing possession. If the hosts succeed in preventing the visitors from advancing towards midfield, Venezia could spend most of the encounter defending.
On the other hand, Sarri must pay attention to the space behind his full-backs. Venezia have no reason to abandon attacking completely, and a well-timed pass towards Adams or Yeboah could create a situation in which the home defence must react without enough time to get organized.
Set pieces could also prove important. In a match between two teams struggling with finishing, a well-delivered corner or free kick can change the course of the contest. It will be particularly interesting to see how effectively Atalanta can use the physical presence of their defenders during attacking set pieces.
Injuries, absences and possible changes to the starting lineups
Atalanta have several significant squad problems ahead of the match. According to the latest previews, Isak Hien and Odilon Kossounou are not fit to play, limiting the options in central defence.
Giacomo Raspadori is also among the unavailable players, while Kamaldeen Sulemana is not expected to be ready for Monday according to predicted lineups. The situation could change after the final training session and medical assessment.
Venezia also have injury problems. Players whose participation is doubtful or not expected include Marin Sverko, Bartol Franjić, Gianluca Busio and Andrea Adorante. The absence of captain Busio is particularly important because his contribution to midfield organization may be difficult to replace.
Armel Bella-Kotchap returned to training during the break, but his readiness for full competitive intensity remains uncertain. Joel Schingtienne has also experienced ankle problems.
According to available previews, Sarri could field a lineup featuring Carnesecchi in goal, Bellanova, Kristensen, Scalvini and one of the candidates for the left side of defence, with Kessié and Éderson in midfield. Scamacca, Rowe and De Ketelaere are expected to be among the main attacking options.
Stroppa could start with Stanković in goal and Adams and Yeboah in attack. It is important to emphasize that these are predicted, not confirmed, starting lineups.
History of meetings between Atalanta and Venezia
The history of recent encounters favours Atalanta. The Bergamo club have frequently found ways to neutralize Venezia's attack in their last several meetings, and the visitors have not beaten Atalanta in their recent Serie A encounters.
Their latest meeting took place on March 1, 2025, in Bergamo and ended goalless. That result serves as a reminder that the hosts' historical advantage does not guarantee victory, especially when Atalanta are experiencing difficulties in front of goal.
The last five meetings in all competitions:
- March 1, 2025 - Atalanta - Venezia 0:0, Serie A.
- October 20, 2024 - Venezia - Atalanta 0:2, Serie A.
- April 23, 2022 - Venezia - Atalanta 1:3, Serie A.
- January 12, 2022 - Atalanta - Venezia 2:0, Coppa Italia.
- November 30, 2021 - Atalanta - Venezia 4:0, Serie A.
The November 2021 match is particularly interesting, as Atalanta won 4:0 with three goals from Mario Pašalić. In October 2024, Pašalić also scored against Venezia, while Mateo Retegui added the second goal.
In March 2025, however, Venezia managed to keep a clean sheet away in Bergamo. That encounter could provide a useful example for the visitors, although Venezia's current squad is different and Atalanta are managed by another coach.
New Balance Arena: a stadium with distinctive stands
New Balance Arena is located in Bergamo, in Italy's Lombardy region, at Viale Giulio Cesare 18. The stadium was built in 1928 and has undergone various stages of modernization over the decades. Today, it is a fully renovated football venue with a capacity of 23,439 spectators.
One of its main characteristics is the proximity of the stands to the pitch. Supporters have a direct view of the action along the touchlines and around the penalty areas, while covered stands allow for more comfortable viewing in different weather conditions.
Curva Nord Pisani and Curva Sud Morosini hold particularly important places in the stadium's identity. The northern stand is dedicated to Federico Pisani, while the southern stand bears the name of Piermario Morosini. These stands form a recognizable part of Atalanta's supporter culture.
Against Venezia, home supporters can be expected to demand a more determined performance from their team from the beginning. After three consecutive defeats, every well-executed attack, ball recovery or goalscoring opportunity could provoke a strong reaction from the stands.
Away supporters have a separate section with specific access rules. Visitors arriving from outside Bergamo should check in advance which entrance corresponds to their ticket, because different stands have separate access routes.
Getting to the stadium, parking and traffic restrictions
Reaching New Balance Arena by public transport is relatively straightforward, but traffic arrangements on matchday require additional attention. The stadium is located in an urban part of Bergamo, where restrictions on private vehicles are introduced before home matches.
In its travel instructions, Atalanta identifies ATB bus line 9 as a connection between the railway station area and the stadium. However, local transport operator ATB has published a special notice for the match against Venezia: on October 12, from 15:30 until the traffic restrictions end, the routes of lines 3, 6 and 9 will be modified.
It is particularly important to note that line 9 will then operate along a modified route via Via Baioni and Via N. Sauro. Passengers should check temporary stops and the current timetable before departure.
Key information for arrival:
- Stadium address: New Balance Arena, Viale Giulio Cesare 18, Bergamo.
- Rail transport: arrival at Bergamo railway station, followed by a city bus or a combination of public transport and walking.
- City bus: ATB line 9, with a modified route on matchday; changes also affect lines 3 and 6.
- Private car: access via the Bergamo exit from the A4 motorway, while observing mandatory traffic restrictions around the stadium.
- Away supporters: a designated car park on Via Pietro Spino, from which a free return shuttle service to the away section is organized.
It is important to know that the underground Atalanta Stadium Parking facility near Piazzale Goisis, which normally has 348 parking spaces, is not a practical solution on matchday. According to the operator's rules, the car park is closed during sporting events from eight hours before the start until four hours after the event ends, with possible additional security adjustments.
For drivers who are not part of organized away-supporter travel, it is therefore more practical to plan parking outside the restricted zone and complete the final part of the journey by public transport or on foot.
The club warns that traffic restrictions immediately around the stadium generally apply from two hours before the match until half an hour after it ends. For this encounter, ATB has additionally confirmed the closure of Via del Lazzaretto from 15:30, so changes to traffic in neighbouring streets should also be expected.
Tickets, entrances and arrangements for accessing the stands
Ticket sales for Atalanta - Venezia began on Friday, October 2, 2026, and are scheduled to continue until kick-off, provided seats remain available. Visitors can choose between different stands, including Curva Nord Pisani, Curva Sud Morosini, Tribuna Rinascimento and Tribuna Ovest.
A special benefit is also available for children under the age of 14 for this match, subject to predetermined registration conditions and adult accompaniment.
Special rules apply to the away section. Residents of the province of Venezia may purchase tickets exclusively for the away section, subject to membership in the Venezia FC supporter identification programme. Sales for this section are scheduled to end at 19:00 on Sunday, October 11.
On matchday, the Ticketing Point next to the stadium opens four hours before kick-off, at 14:30. This is not the same as the opening time of the entrances to the stands. The exact opening time of the stadium gates for this match has not been confirmed in the verified available notices.
Entry requires a valid ticket and an identification document, as tickets are linked to the holder's name. Visitors should check their section, entrance designation and any additional conditions applying to their ticket category.
It is advisable to arrive sufficiently early to allow time for security checks, finding one's way around the stadium and locating seats in the stands. Tickets are best secured before travelling rather than relying on the availability of remaining seats immediately before kick-off.
Bergamo as a destination for a football trip
Bergamo is a city in northern Italy, in Lombardy, known for its division into the lower, more modern Città Bassa and the historic upper Città Alta. For visitors coming to watch Atalanta, this provides an opportunity to combine the football programme with sightseeing.
Città Alta is particularly interesting for its medieval streets, historic squares and views of the surrounding landscape. Piazza Vecchia is one of the best-known locations in the old town, and a distinctive funicular connects the lower and upper parts of the city.
Visitors arriving by plane can use Milan Bergamo International Airport, also known as Orio al Serio. Airport Bus, line 1 operated by city transport company ATB, connects the airport with the city, railway station and other important transport points.
For those arriving by train, Bergamo railway station provides a practical starting point. The city has connections with Milan, Brescia and other centres in northern Italy. When planning a day trip, the time required to return after the match and possible traffic delays should be taken into account.
Supporters planning to spend the entire day in Bergamo can arrange sightseeing before heading towards the stadium. With kick-off at 18:30 and announced traffic changes in the afternoon, it is practical to finish exploring the historic centre sufficiently early.
Atmosphere in the stands and details that could define the match
Atalanta enter the match with a clear need to recover their form. Home supporters will expect Sarri to find a way to use the team's attacking potential more effectively, especially against a side that has conceded a large number of goals in the opening five rounds.
For Venezia, the appearance in Bergamo presents an opportunity to end their losing streak and show that they can compete with teams possessing high-quality individuals. Before the match, Stroppa spoke about progress in training, a better mentality and the need to turn positive elements into results.
The opening minutes could therefore be particularly important. An early Atalanta goal would allow the hosts to control the match more calmly, while a Venezia lead would create a different scenario and increase the pressure on the home players.
Defensive discipline is equally important. Atalanta will attempt to prevent visiting counterattacks, while Venezia must avoid situations in which their defensive line retreats too deeply and allows the hosts sustained attempts from dangerous areas.
The match will be refereed by Paride Tremolada, assisted by Mattia Regattieri and Lorenzo Giuggioli. Francesco Meraviglia will be responsible for video analysis, with Marco Piccini as his assistant.
For spectators at New Balance Arena, the most interesting aspect of the evening will be the clash between two tactical approaches and the question of which team will first find stability after a poor run of results. Atalanta have home advantage and a stronger record in previous head-to-head meetings, but Venezia arrive with a clear motivation to finally collect their first points.
Sources:
- Atalanta BC (atalanta.it) - confirmation of the date, time, stadium, ticket sales, spectator regulations and travel arrangements.
- Lega Serie A (legaseriea.it) - league standings, coaches, results of the opening five rounds and stadium information.
- Venezia FC (veneziafc.it) - Giovanni Stroppa's press conference on October 10, 2026, information for away supporters, Via Pietro Spino parking and the refereeing team.
- La Gazzetta dello Sport (gazzetta.it) - predicted formations, injuries, absences and player selections ahead of the match.
- Sky Sport (sport.sky.it) - expected tactical formations and team lineups.
- Sports Mole (sportsmole.co.uk) - analysis of form, current team problems, attacking options and squad availability.
- WorldFootball.net (worldfootball.net) and FBref (fbref.com) - history of head-to-head matches and results of previous encounters.
- ATB Bergamo (atb.bergamo.it) - special notice for Atalanta - Venezia dated October 9, 2026, bus route changes, parking information and city transport.
- Visit Bergamo (visitbergamo.net) - information about arriving by train and plane and visiting Città Alta.