Atalanta’s Retegui Sidelined with Muscular Injury

Atalanta and manager Gian Piero Gasperini faced a setback as striker Mateo Retegui sustained a muscular injury during their match against Empoli at the Gewiss Stadium. The Italian-Argentine forward was forced to leave the field after just 21 minutes of play, clutching his left thigh in the rectus femoris area.

Retegui’s injury occurred as he moved to midfield to engage with his teammates following a lateral pass. He immediately stopped, signaling discomfort in his right thigh. The player massaged the affected area and lay down on the pitch, awaiting medical attention and substitution.

Gasperini promptly called upon Nicolò Zaniolo to warm up, though the substitute’s entry was slightly delayed as he wasn’t fully prepared. Zaniolo entered the game cold, while a visibly disappointed Retegui made his way to the bench.

Atalanta is hopeful that Retegui’s injury isn’t severe, given their challenging upcoming schedule. The team faces crucial matches, including a away game against Lazio on December 28, a Supercoppa semi-final against Inter in Riyadh on January 2, 2025, followed by important fixtures against Udinese, Juventus, and Napoli in mid-January. The absence of their primary striker during this critical period could significantly impact the team’s performance.