Atalanta is facing an escalating injury crisis as Daniel Maldini will miss tomorrow's trip to Hellas Verona, scheduled for Saturday at 14:00 GMT at Stadio Bentegodi. La Dea has struggled lately, securing only one win in their last six Serie A matches. This downturn is exacerbated by an injury list that coach Gian Piero Gasperini must navigate, including season-ending surgeries for Gianluca Scamacca and Giorgio Scalvini. Key players like Ademola Lookman, Sead Kolasinac, Odilon Kossounou, and goalkeeper Marco Carnesecchi are also ruled out for the Verona match. Though it was hoped Maldini would make his full debut following his transfer from Monza, a muscular issue has sidelined him as well. Gasperini is expected to field a lineup similar to the one that suffered a defeat in the Coppa Italia quarter-final against Bologna on Tuesday. The Bergamo side is looking to reverse their recent struggles and stay competitive in the Serie A title race during their visit to Hellas Verona. After a brief stint of 11 league victories, they have now only clinched one win in their last six top-flight games, significantly damaging their aspirations for a first-ever Scudetto. Following a 1-1 draw at home against Torino, Atalanta finds itself third in the standings, seven points behind leaders Napoli. The loss to Bologna in the cup has left only the Champions League and Serie A in their sights, but the challenges are mounting. Atalanta remains historically strong against Verona, having won six of their last eight encounters, averaging 2.3 goals per game against them, which may work to their advantage this weekend. With Hellas struggling to find form, including a 6-1 defeat in their earlier meeting this season, Atalanta hoping for a turnaround performance is necessary to maintain their remarkable status in Italian football.
