Celtic are back on the big Champions League stage and they arrive in Bergamo with a big point to prove to eyes across Europe.
Brendan Rodgers and his troops arrived in Dortmund on matchday two with their tails up after a flawless start domestically and a thumping opening day triumph over Slovan Bratislava under the lights at Parkhead. However, they were brought back down to earth by the Bundesliga giants who smashed seven goals past the Scottish champions. That result will still be stinging Callum McGregor and Co and they will be determined to put things right against Atalanta.
The new format in Europe’s top competition means the Hoops are well in the mix for qualification with a spot in the knockout rounds achieved with a top 24 finish. To get to that stage, they will want to get as many points on the board as quickly as they can but Record Sport’s top team are all in agreement when it comes to the outcome of the big showdown in the backyard of the Serie A side.
Michael Gannon
This is going to be a seriously tough test for Celts and there are real fears they could be in for another dull one. Atlanta might be a better side than Borussia Dortmund and their high-intensity style will cause major problems. Success might be escaping with just a gentle thumping rather than another mauling.
Atalanta 3 Celtic 1
Keith Jackson
This has all the hallmarks of a long, difficult and highly dangerous night for Scotland’s champions, especially on the back of last time out in Dortmund. Keeping it tight and respectable should be the name of the game as Celtic can secure the points they need for qualification in Glasgow. The question is, will Brendan Rodgers feel the same way?
Atalanta 3 Celtic 1
Fraser Wilson
Another stern test lies ahead in Bergamo against the Serie A top scorers. Celtic will surely have learned from the Dortmund defeat and will refuse to give up so much space. If they can be tidier on the ball and keep full focus at the back then this could be a close thing. But Atalanta at home just have too much quality.
Atalanta 2 Celtic 0
Graeme Young
Thinking logically offers little hope for Celtic, however, the Hoops throughout their history have been competitive, if outgunned, against Serie A’s best on away soil. Gasperini has publicly endorsed their gung-ho rivals but will see ample opportunities to spark another away day to forget for Celtic, but don’t rule out some added gusto from the visitors.
Atalanta 3 Celtic 2
Ross Pilcher
This might depend on whether Brendan Rodgers’ vow not to change a thing was just bravado, or whether the penny has dropped after the Dortmund debacle. If he goes gung ho again and gets it wrong, then mamma mia. If he does rein his team in a bit and play it a bit cagier against another serious team in Atalanta, then it might not be so bad.
Atalanta 3 Celtic 1