Atalanta – Stability and Experience in Cup Finals
Atalanta enters the quarter-final clash against Bologna as the favorite, especially after their dominant performance in the previous round against Cesena (6-3). Gian Piero Gasperini’s team showcased their attacking prowess with six goals, with Charles De Ketelaere scoring twice and Davide Zappacosta opening the scoring in just the fourth minute.
However, what might worry Atalanta fans is the fact that they conceded three goals against a lower-division side, indicating potential defensive issues. Nevertheless, Atalanta is a team with significant experience in the latter stages of the Coppa Italia, having reached the quarter-finals for the fifth consecutive season. In the last four seasons, they have reached the final twice (2020/21 and last season) but lost both times.
In the domestic league, Atalanta is not in their best form—a 1-1 draw with Torino left them in third place, six points behind leaders Napoli, having played one more match. The team’s main issue has been inconsistency in attack in key games, although they still possess highly talented individuals like Mateo Retegui, who is their top scorer this season.
Defensively, they will be weakened by the absence of Giorgio Scalvini, while forward Ademola Lookman remains sidelined with a knee injury. However, experienced defender Sead Kolašinac might return to the squad, which could provide additional stability at the back.
Bologna – Impressive Form and Ambition for the Semi-Finals
Bologna has been one of the biggest surprises in Italian football this season. Vincenzo Italiano’s side is playing excellent football and currently sits in sixth place in Serie A. They are unbeaten in their last seven matches across all competitions (three wins and four draws).
In the previous round of the Coppa Italia, they easily eliminated Monza (4-0), proving that their quarter-final berth was no fluke. This match presents an opportunity for them to reach the semi-finals for the first time since the 1998/99 season.
Bologna’s strength lies in midfield, where players like Tommaso Pobega and Nicolás Domínguez have been key contributors. In attack, Riccardo Orsolini is of great importance, although he remains doubtful for this match. If he is unavailable, Santiago Castro will carry a greater attacking burden, having already shown he can trouble opposing defenses.
Bologna’s defense has been solid—conceding just two goals in their last five matches—but they face a major challenge against Atalanta’s aggressive attacking style. A potential issue for Bologna is squad depth, as Orsolini and Lewis Ferguson are both sidelined with injuries.
Betting Predictions
✅ Both Teams to Score (BTTS) – Atalanta plays highly attacking football but often struggles defensively, while Bologna is in excellent form and is more than capable of scoring at least once.
✅ Over 2.5 Goals – Recent encounters between these two teams have often been high-scoring affairs, and Atalanta netted six goals in their last Coppa Italia match.
✅ Charles De Ketelaere to Score – The Belgian is in great form and already scored twice against Cesena. He will have opportunities against Bologna as well.
✅ Bologna Double Chance (X2) – Given their current form and the fact that Atalanta has failed to win their last four meetings, there is a strong chance the visitors can avoid defeat.
We can expect an exciting clash between two teams in different positions—Atalanta as the favorite with trophy ambitions and Bologna as the challenger looking to make history.
