Match Preview: RB Leipzig vs Atalanta
RB Leipzig and Atalanta are set to clash in a highly anticipated pre-season friendly. This match marks an intriguing battle between a Bundesliga powerhouse and a top Serie A side, offering both new managers a crucial opportunity to test their tactical plans and new signings.
Match Details
Date: Saturday, August 2, 2025
Venue: Red Bull Arena, Leipzig
Kick-off: 3:00 PM CEST
Recent Form
RB Leipzig comes into this friendly with a pair of dominant victories under their belt, having thrashed Toulouse 7-0 and secured a 3-0 win over Meuselwitz. These results highlight the attacking firepower and depth of Ole Werner's squad, who will be looking to continue their momentum.
Atalanta, on the other hand, will be playing their first pre-season match under new manager Ivan Juric. While their recent form from the end of the previous Serie A season was strong, this friendly will be their first chance to showcase how they've adapted to the new tactical system and a new-look squad.
Team News
RB Leipzig is expected to field a strong side, with key players like Xavi Simons, Benjamin Šeško, and Loïs Openda all likely to feature. The new arrivals, including Yohan Bakayoko and Yan Diomande, have already made an impact in the earlier friendlies and will be eager to impress.
Atalanta will be without Ademola Lookman, who is recovering from a calf injury and is also at the center of transfer talks with Inter Milan. This could open up a spot for new signing Kamaldeen Sulemana to make his debut. The match will also see other new arrivals, such as Odilon Kossounou, get their first taste of action for La Dea.
Head-to-Head
The two teams have faced each other twice before, both in the UEFA Europa League in 2022. RB Leipzig holds the slight edge, with one win and one draw. The head-to-head record is as follows:
April 7, 2022: RB Leipzig 1-1 Atalanta
April 14, 2022: Atalanta 0-2 RB Leipzig
Tactical Battle
This friendly promises a fascinating tactical duel. RB Leipzig, under Ole Werner, is known for their high-pressing style and quick transitions, which they've already demonstrated with their high-scoring pre-season results.
Ivan Juric's Atalanta will likely look to control the tempo and break lines with a more seasoned midfield. It will be interesting to see if Juric sticks to the 3-4-3 formation favored by his predecessor, Gian Piero Gasperini, or implements his own system. This match will be a crucial test of their defensive solidity against a potent Leipzig attack.
Prediction
While pre-season matches are often unpredictable, RB Leipzig's offensive form and prior match sharpness give them a slight advantage. However, Atalanta's tactical versatility and the desire of new players to make an impression mean they are not to be underestimated. Expect an open and entertaining game with both teams finding the back of the net. A narrow victory for RB Leipzig or a draw seems like a plausible outcome.
