Serie A 2019/20: Atalanta vs Sassuolo – tactical analysis

The first matchday of football returning to Serie A saw two of the most tactically interesting teams in Italy face off. Atalanta looked to increase their lead in 4th place to secure a UEFA Champions League position, as they are unlikely to realistically compete with the likes of Juventus, Lazio and Inter for the title. Sassuolo looked to consolidate their mid-table position to finish off the season.

In this tactical analysis, I will provide an analysis of the tactics used by Gian Piero Gasperini and Roberto De Zerbi as Atalanta beat Sassuolo 4-1.

Starting line-ups

Atalanta lined up with their favoured back three. Pierluigi Gollini started in goal behind a back three of Berat Djimsiti, Mattia Caldara, and José Luis Palomino. Hans Hateboer and Robin Gosens played as wingbacks, while Remo Freuler, Marten de Roon, and Mario Pašalić played as a midfield three, with Pašalić more advanced. Alejandro Gómez and Duván Zapata played as a front two.

Sassuolo lined up in the 4-2-3-1 they have predominantly used this season. Andrea Consigli started in goal. Frederico Peluso and Marlon played as centre backs, flanked by Giorgios Kyriakopolous and Jeremy Toljan. Manuel Locatelli and Mehdi Bourabia played as a double pivot. Jérémie Boga, Grégoire Defrel and Domenico Berardi played just behind Francesco Caputo up top.