Atalanta Vs Napoli: Why Ederson, Scamacca, Politano and Spinazzola Are Left Out of the Starters in Bergamo
The latest turn before the 15: 00 match puts the spotlight on why four key names are missing from the starting XIs: in the build-up to atalanta vs napoli the official lineups show Ederson, Gianluca Scamacca, Matteo Politano and Leonardo Spinazzola sitting out the first whistle. Team selection combined tactical choices, recent fitness concerns and match-to-match rotation.
Ederson, Scamacca, Politano and Spinazzola absent from the starting XI
The official lists for the New Balance Arena do not include Ederson and Gianluca Scamacca on one side and Matteo Politano and Leonardo Spinazzola on the other among the starters. All four are notable absences in the announced 3-4-2-1 formations for the 15: 00 match.
Why Ederson and Scamacca are not starting
Ederson had left the recent Champions match in Dortmund fatigued after a 2-0 defeat to Borussia, but he was ultimately called up and will be available on the bench rather than starting. The midfield setup instead features Pasalic deployed as mediano alongside De Roon.
For the central striker spot, Palladino faced a selection question on the eve of the game and opted for Krstovic as the starter; Gianluca Scamacca was named on the bench at least initially.
Conte's surprise on the flanks and the decision on Politano and Spinazzola
Conte's plan for the trip to Bergamo emphasizes control of the wide areas. He has chosen Mazzocchi and Gutierrez to start from the first minute, a move described as a surprise on the flanks designed to provide balance and defensive coverage. That shift returns Gutierrez to the left.
Matteo Politano is not in the starting XI because he is not yet at full fitness after recently returning from a muscle injury; he is available on the bench. Leonardo Spinazzola is also on the bench and not at 100% of his condition after a muscle problem in the recent match against Roma that forced him off early in the second half. Both players are expected to have roles during the match if needed.
How Alisson Santos and team rhythm influenced the selection
Alisson Santos was preferred in the wing role for the starting XI. He was a notable substitute in the Roma game, coming on and scoring the goal that made it 2-2; that recent impact helped secure his place in the XI. The coaching staff highlighted the idea of starting with solidity on the wings and then introducing different solutions as the game evolves.
Formations and official lineups at the New Balance Arena
The coaches named the following formations and starters for the 15: 00 match:
- ATALANTA (3-4-2-1): Carnesecchi; Scalvini, Hien, Kolasinac; Bellanova, De Roon, Pasalic, Zappacosta; Sulemana, Zalewski; Krstovic. All. Palladino.
- NAPOLI (3-4-2-1): Milinkovic-Savic; Beukema, Buongiorno, Juan Jesus; Mazzocchi, Elmas, Lobotka, Gutierrez; Vergara, Alisson Santos; Hojlund. All. Conte.
Spinazzola's condition and squad context
Spinazzola trained only partially during the week, traveled with the squad and will therefore begin the match on the bench. The player is described in the build-up as the former Dea and is not at full fitness, which contributed to Conte's decision to start Mazzocchi while keeping Spinazzola available as a later option.
In the tactical brief, particular attention was paid to limiting the between-the-lines qualities of Samardzic and Zalewski, with Mazzocchi and Gutierrez tasked from kickoff to provide balance and defensive cover. Politano and Spinazzola remain possible in-game solutions if the match situation requires their introduction.
These selections make clear that the coaches prioritized immediate defensive balance on the flanks, match fitness and short-term form when finalizing their teams for atalanta vs napoli. Further adjustments may occur during the game as both benches are expected to be used to adapt to the flow of the contest.
