View from the Opposition: The quickfire scouting report on Atalanta

We asked Giancarlo Gnecchi, a Bergamo-based journalist who writes for Il Corriere dello Sport, to talk us through Sunday's opponents Atalanta...

Q: How have Atalanta changed since last season's fourth place finish and what targets have they set this year?

“There have been quite a few changes because they had to put together a squad that can compete in the Europa League too. In defence and up front it's basically the same team as last year albeit with more alternatives to the first-choice players.

"The midfield is very different because Andrea Conti and Franck Kessie have gone and Leonardo Spinazzola could still follow them out the door – that would leave Remo Freuler as the only one left of the four regular starters from last season.

“Their target for the season – as Gasperini has said himself – is to be the best side behind the so-called big clubs, which means finishing sixth or seventh. A repeat of last season's fourth-place finish is obviously almost impossible.”

What formation will Gasperini play on Sunday?

“Against Roma he'll go with his usual 3-4-3, which can switch to 4-3-1-2 during the game.

"I expect he'll start with Etrit Berisha in goal, a back three of Andrea Maisello, Mattia Caldara and Rafael Toloi, Marten De Roon and Remo Freuler in the middle of the park, Bryan Cristante and Robin Gosens out wide, and Papu Gomez, Andrea Petagna and Jasmin Kurtic in attack.”

Who will be Atalanta's chief danger man against Roma?

“Andrea Petagna: because Atalanta's game revolves around him. He doesn't score that many goals but he brings others into play and he's a crucial cog in Gasperini's game plan.

“Another one to watch is Papu Gomez, he's capable of producing that bit of magic that can win you a game – either for a team-mate or as a lethal finisher himself.”

If Atalanta could take one player out of Roma's team, who would it be?

“Kevin Strootman, without a shadow of doubt. He bosses the midfield with his immense work rate and skill. He's absolutely world-class.”