Atalanta – Athletic Bilbao / August 14
📅 Date: 14.08.2026
🕒 Time: 21:45
🏆 Competition: Friendly Match – XXVII “Achille and Cesare Bortolotti” Trophy
🏟️ Stadium: New Balance Arena, Bergamo, Italy
Atalanta host Athletic Bilbao in the 27th edition of the traditional “Achille and Cesare Bortolotti” Trophy. The match in Bergamo is the final pre-season test for both teams before the start of their official fixtures in the 2026/2027 season.
Before the Match
The tournament is held in memory of two of Atalanta’s historic presidents and traditionally represents an important part of the club’s summer preparations. The match against Athletic Bilbao will be the first major football occasion at the renovated stadium in Bergamo ahead of the start of the new campaign.
For Atalanta, the match is a final rehearsal before the Conference League play-offs. The Italian team will face Hapoel Tel Aviv in their first official European fixture.
Athletic Bilbao are also completing their pre-season preparations. The Basque side will begin their La Liga campaign on 22 August with a home match against Sevilla.
Previous Meeting
The two teams met in the Champions League in January 2026. Atalanta took the lead in Bergamo through a goal from Gianluca Scamacca, but Athletic Bilbao produced a strong second-half comeback and won 3:2.
Gorka Guruzeta, Nico Serrano and Robert Navarro scored for the Spanish side. Nikola Krstović pulled one back for the hosts in the closing minutes, but Atalanta were unable to find an equaliser.
Current Form
Atalanta have used their summer preparations to develop Maurizio Sarri’s playing model. Before returning to Bergamo, the team played successive away friendlies against Feyenoord and Schalke 04.
The match against the Spanish opponents will show how well the players have adapted to the tactical requirements of the coaching staff. The hosts are expected to focus on ball control, movement between the lines and better organisation after losing possession.
Athletic Bilbao have gone through an extensive pre-season programme. The Basque side recorded convincing victories against lower-division opponents, while in their most recent serious test they lost 1:3 to Olympique Marseille.
Team News
Athletic Bilbao coach Edin Terzić has named a 23-man squad for the trip to Italy. The main news is the return of goalkeeper Unai Simón, who is training with the team again following his participation in the World Cup.
Aymeric Laporte and Nico Williams have not been included in the squad after joining the preparations later. Dani Vivian will also miss the match due to injury. Andoni Gorosabel, Unai Vencedor and Gorka Guruzeta also remain outside the squad.
The visitors’ squad includes Unai Simón, Álex Padilla, Aitor Paredes, Yeray Álvarez, Álex Berenguer, Oihan Sancet, Iñaki Williams, Jesús Areso, Iñigo Ruiz de Galarreta, Yuri Berchiche, Mikel Jauregizar, Maroan Sannadi, Nico Serrano and Robert Navarro.
For Atalanta, the official starting line-up will be announced shortly before the match. Maurizio Sarri is expected to use the players who are closest to starting roles for the beginning of the European campaign.
Likely Tactical Approach
Atalanta: The hosts are likely to try to control the match through prolonged possession, a high defensive line and active movement in midfield. Pressing immediately after losing the ball will be one of the important elements of their play.
Athletic Bilbao: The visitors are expected to rely on high intensity, direct attacks and pace on the flanks. The presence of Iñaki Williams provides a significant threat in quick attacking transitions.
Interesting Facts
- The match is part of the 27th edition of the “Achille and Cesare Bortolotti” Trophy.
- The match is the final pre-season test for both teams.
- Athletic Bilbao won the previous meeting between the two teams 3:2.
- The Basque side scored all three of their goals in the previous match during the second half.
- Unai Simón returns to Athletic Bilbao’s squad.
- Aymeric Laporte, Nico Williams and the injured Dani Vivian will not take part in the match.
- Atalanta are preparing to compete in the Conference League play-offs.
What to Expect
A high-quality and intense match is expected between two teams that prefer proactive football. Atalanta will aim to control the tempo and demonstrate progress in developing their new playing model in front of their home supporters.
Athletic Bilbao are likely to respond with aggressive pressing and quick attacks down the flanks. Despite the friendly nature of the match, the Basque side’s previous comeback in Bergamo and the significance of the trophy create the conditions for a competitive encounter.
The coaches may make more substitutions after the break in order to manage the players’ workload. The main objective for both teams will be to complete their preparations with a convincing performance and without any new squad problems.
