Palladino has new Atalanta injury problem and wants focus on Napoli
Raffaele Palladino reveals a new injury problem forcing changes for Atalanta against Napoli, insisting they will ‘think about the Champions League from tomorrow.’
It kicks off at the New Balance Arena in Bergamo at 14.00 GMT (15.00 CET).
You can follow all the build-up and action as it happens from today’s Serie A games on the Liveblog.
There are a few changes to the starting XI, as rotation is necessary following the midweek Champions League play-off in Germany.
Palladino forced into some Atalanta changes
BERGAMO, ITALY – JANUARY 10: Raffaele Palladino Head Coach of Atalanta BC looks on prior to the Serie A match between Atalanta BC and Torino FC at Gewiss Stadium on January 10, 2026 in Bergamo, Italy. (Photo by Francesco Scaccianoce/Getty Images)
“Ederson had a muscular issue in training yesterday, he worked with the group, but I don’t want to risk doing any further damage,” Palladino told DAZN Italia.
“He wanted to be here, but I preferred not to take risks, as there are so many more games coming up. I am sure Mario Pasalic will replace him very well.
“Kamaldeen Sulemana starts today, because he trained well and always proved himself when participating.”
BERGAMO, ITALY – SEPTEMBER 30: Mario Pasalic of Atalanta celebrates scoring the winning goal 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)
La Dea have been surging up the standings since Palladino took over from Ivan Juric in November 2025, and his debut was the 3-1 defeat to Napoli at the Stadio Diego Armando Maradona.
They also set up a Coppa Italia semi-final with Lazio, but their Champions League participation is at risk after the 2-0 play-off loss to Borussia Dortmund.
“I am focusing on this match, which is very important for us, and we can think about the Champions League from tomorrow,” insisted Palladino.
“We’ve got to think today about a situation where every point is worth double, but we also want to prove ourselves against a strong opponent on our home turf.”
DORTMUND, GERMANY – FEBRUARY 17: Nicola Zalewski of Atalanta is fouled by Luca Reggiani of Borussia Dortmund during the UEFA Champions League 2025/26 League Knockout Play-off First Leg match between Borussia Dortmund and Atalanta BC at BVB Stadion Dortmund on February 17, 2026 in Dortmund, Germany. (Photo by Pau Barrena/Getty Images)
The second leg is coming up on Wednesday, with Charles De Ketelaere and Giacomo Raspadori still out of action.
Napoli also have a long absentee list, but start Alisson Santos and bring Rasmus Hojlund back to Bergamo, where his career really took off.
“There are many details that are important in these matches, as if you press Napoli high, they will just pierce your defence with vertical balls,” added Palladino.
“They have rapid wing-backs, so if you sit back and wait for them, they’ll get around you and dominate possession. We must have the perfect performance and show hunger.
“Napoli won the Scudetto last season, so they are accustomed to these games. I can’t wait for it to start.”
Real Madrid player takes responsibility for Osasuna defeat
Real Madrid midfielder Dani Ceballos has taken the blame for their loss to Osasuna on Saturday evening. The 29-year-old took the blame squarely on his shoulders after giving the ball away in the lead up to the winning goal for Los Rojillo.
Ceballos was sent on with seven minutes remaining by Alvaro Arbeloa to look for a winner at El Sadar. However Ceballos played a loose pass that was intercepted in stoppage time, and eventually ended up with Raul Garcia de Haro finishing between Raul Asencio and Trent Alexander-Arnold. Following the match, Ceballos put out a message on social media, noting ‘I assume my responsibility’.
Ceballos ruled out with injury
The unfortunate part is that Ceballos will not have a chance to make ammends in the near future. The ex-Betis and Arsenal man has been ruled out with a hamstring tear that could keep him out until April in the worst of cases. It leaves Arbeloa somewhat short of resources in the middle of the pitch, with Jude Bellingham also out of action.
Image via La Liga
Arbeloa’s explanations after Osasuna
Beyond introducing Ceballos, Arbeloa has come in for heavy criticism for his changes at El Sadar, taking of Fede Valverde following his excellent assist. After the match he declared that the Uruguayan had been playing through injury for some time, and he did not want to risk him.
The Real Madrid manager also noted that the referee might have given a foul for his side before Ceballos gave the ball away – although Los Blancos did regain possession again after that, dictating a new phase of play. In his view, Real Madrid failed to move the ball with the necessary tempo to break Osasuna down too. On Wednesday, Real Madrid are back in action against Benfica in the return leg of their Champions League play-off.
Chelsea Dominate Early vs Man United
Lauren James progressed with the ball before slipping in Thompson, who played a pass to Johanna Rytting Kaneryd, though she was unable to get a shot away.
Chelsea continue to control the early stages of the match.