Atalanta and Lazio Draw…

Atalanta and Lazio Draw…

BERGAMO, ITALY – OCTOBER 19: Honest Ahanor of Atalanta BC and Matteo Guendouzi of Lazio contest possession during the Serie A match between Atalanta BC and SS Lazio at Gewiss Stadium on October 19, 2025, in Bergamo, Italy. (Photo by Francesco Scaccianoce/Getty Images)

Atalanta and Lazio played to a tentative 0-0 draw on Sunday at the New Balance Arena in Bergamo, with the Biancocelesti likely feeling more content after withstanding a strong second-half effort from La Dea.

The first half was largely uneventful, as both teams struggled to create significant chances. However, the hosts stepped up their game after the break, generating several opportunities but failing to find the back of the net.

The match had its notable moments, leading to three key talking points following the draw.

BERGAMO, ITALY – SEPTEMBER 30: Ademola Lookman of Atalanta looks on during the UEFA Champions League 2025/26 League Phase MD2 match between Atalanta BC and Club Brugge KV at Stadio di Bergamo on September 30, 2025, in Bergamo, Italy. (Photo by Timothy Rogers/Getty Images)

Lookman’s Return Lacks Spark

The highlight leading up to the match was Ademola Lookman’s return to Atalanta’s starting lineup, marking his first appearance under new head coach Ivan Juric.

This was also Lookman’s first start since the summer transfer saga that nearly saw him depart the club.

He was heavily linked with a move to Inter but ultimately remained with Atalanta after the Nerazzurri did not meet the club’s €50 million asking price.

Following an attempt to push through a transfer and then returning to the squad, Lookman was slowly reintegrated, and this match marked his first start.

Though he played for 82 minutes, Lookman did not make the desired impact, as the team struggled overall in the final third.

Despite this, getting valuable minutes on the pitch could soon see him regain his form.

ROME, ITALY – APRIL 17: Nuno Tavares of Lazio appears dejected after sustaining an injury during the UEFA Europa League 2024/25 Quarter Final Second Leg match between S.S. Lazio and FK Bodo/Glimt at Stadio Olimpico on April 17, 2025, in Rome, Italy. (Photo by Paolo Bruno/Getty Images)

Lazio Faces Injury Woes

Lazio’s challenges were compounded when Matteo Cancellieri had to leave the match due to a suspected thigh injury in the first half. He was replaced by Gustav Isaksen, a setback for Sarri’s squad.

Cancellieri has been instrumental for Lazio during this period, which has already been plagued by injuries to key players.

The team missed several crucial players in Sunday’s match, including Luca Pellegrini, Samuel Gigot, Fisayo Dele-Bashiru, Nicolo Rovella, and Valentin Castellanos.

With the current injury crisis, Lazio finds their squad stretched thin, particularly in midfield.

However, the return of Toma Basic has been a bright spot amid the gloom. Having been sidelined over the summer, Basic rejoined Sarri’s squad following a player availability crisis after the Derby della Capitale.

Basic stood out in the match and continues to prove his worth, earning Sarri’s trust as he remains a starting option.

ROME, ITALY – AUGUST 31: Valentin Castellanos of Lazio celebrates after scoring his team’s third goal during the Serie A match against Hellas Verona FC at Stadio Olimpico on August 31, 2025, in Rome, Italy. (Photo by Paolo Bruno/Getty Images)

Lack of Finishing Prowess for Both Teams

Both teams have had an intriguing season thus far, with Atalanta remaining the only unbeaten side in Serie A. However, they have managed to secure draws in five of their seven matches, placing them in eighth position.

While an unbeaten streak is commendable, it holds little value if the team cannot convert these draws into wins. This is an aspect that Juric’s side needs to address if they aim to compete at the top end of the table.

Lazio, meanwhile, encounters issues with their attack, which seems ineffective, particularly with the absence of Taty Castellanos and Cancellieri. The latter has played a crucial role in Sarri’s plans this season, and these injuries hinder the team’s progress.

For a detailed account of the match, check out Football Italia’s Match Report for Atalanta 0-0 Lazio here.