Preseason Culmination at the New Balance Arena
The 2026/27 preseason schedule reaches its final fixture as Atalanta hosts Athletic Bilbao for the traditional Bortolotti Trophy on Friday, August 14, 2026, at 20:45. Serving as the ultimate tactical test before competitive league fixtures commence, the match takes place at the New Balance Arena in Bergamo.
Under the new leadership of Maurizio Sarri, Atalanta has utilized the summer schedule to establish tactical coherence. Aside from a single defeat against Feyenoord, the team’s preseason trajectory indicates positive squad readiness and tactical adaptation.
Athletic Bilbao Squad Dynamics and Selection
Manager Edin Terzic has finalized a twenty-three-man traveling squad, omitting the injured Gorosabel and Vivian, which forces defensive adjustments. The squad blends established core players with emerging options, featuring Unai Simón, Padilla, Paredes, Yeray, Berenguer, O. Sancet, Williams, Areso, Ruiz de Galarreta, Yuri, Jauregizar, Adama, Maroan, Nico Serrano, Navarro, Prados, Canales, Gere, Rego, Johaneko, H. Rincón, Monreal, and Djaló.
Atalanta Structural Continuity and Projected Lineup
Sarri has focused on bridging established squad chemistry with fresh tactical instructions. The projected tactical framework deploys Carnesecchi in goal, protected by a backline of Bellanova, Kossounou, Scalvini, and Bernasconi. Ederson, de Roon, and Pasalic form the midfield, while De Ketelaere, Scamacca, and Raspadori comprise the attacking trident.
Broadcasting and Media Accessibility
Unlike previous fixtures broadcast on Atalanta’s official YouTube channel, the Bortolotti Trophy will air via free-to-air digital terrestrial television. Viewers within the primary broadcast region can access the live telecast on Tv8 (channel 8), expanding audience reach for this preseason finale.
Competitive Implications
The fixture provides both technical staffs with a final observational window to measure physical conditioning and tactical execution under pressure, directly influencing roster management decisions ahead of domestic and European campaigns.
Photo by ulleo on Pixabay.