PSG Clash with Atalanta: Bold Predictions and Starting XI Revealed

Paris Saint-Germain kick off their Champions League title defense at home in the opening matchday of the league phase, hosting Atalanta at the Parc des Princes.

This marks only the second encounter between these two sides, with Atalanta's rise under Gian Piero Gasperini propelling them into European elite competition. La Dea nearly pulled off a shocking upset against Thomas Tuchel's PSG in their sole previous meeting during the 2019–20 single-leg quarterfinal stage.

Gasperini has since left Bergamo after a nine-year tenure, moving to Roma, with his protégé Ivan Jurić taking over. Jurić has found it challenging to replicate his impressive work at Hellas Verona from 2019 to 2021.

The Italian side has opened the new campaign with a pair of draws and one win, though Wednesday's encounter represents their most demanding challenge to date by far.

PSG's Club World Cup commitments resulted in a gradual start to 2025–26, capturing the Super Cup following a minimal preseason preparation, yet Luis Enrique's squad has displayed signs of swiftly rediscovering their exceptional rhythm in recent matches. They've secured full points from their first four Ligue 1 fixtures.

Here is Sports Illustrated's comprehensive match preview.

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PSG Team News

PSG's injury concerns aren't as severe as originally anticipated, with Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, Lucas Beraldo and Kang-in Lee sustaining minor issues over the weekend.

Nevertheless, the club has downplayed Kvaratskhelia and Lee's problems, with neither player appearing on their injury list for Wednesday's fixture. Beraldo, though, has suffered an ankle sprain.

The reigning champions have already lost Désiré Doué to a calf problem, while Ballon d'Or contender Ousmané Dembélé remains sidelined with a hamstring complaint. Both players are expected back by late October.

Bradley Barcola delivered an outstanding performance in the victory against Lens and will continue in PSG's attacking line, with Enrique likely fielding his strongest available midfield and defensive units.

PSG Predicted Lineup vs. Atalanta

PSG predicted lineup vs. Atalanta (4-3-3): Chevalier; Hakimi, Marquinhos, Pacho, Mendes; Vitinha, Fabián, Neves; Barcola, Ramos, Kvaratskhelia.

Atalanta Team News

Although Ademola Lookman has been registered in Atalanta's Champions League roster, he hasn't appeared for La Dea this season after attempting to secure a summer transfer. The Nigerian striker hasn't made the trip to Paris.

The away side is also missing box-to-box midfielder Éderson and forward Gianluca Scamacca through injuries, while Mitchell Bakker and Sead Kolašinac remain long-term casualties.

Charles De Ketelaere and Nicola Zalewski were Atalanta's key performers during their maiden Serie A triumph of the campaign against Lecce.

Atalanta Predicted Lineup vs. PSG

Atalanta predicted lineup vs. PSG (3-4-2-1): Carnesecchi; Kossounou, Hien, Scalvini; Bellanova, De Roon, Pašalić, Zalewski; De Ketelaere, Sulemana; Krstović.

PSG vs. Atalanta Score Prediction

Despite Jurić's disappointing stint at Southampton, his hiring made logical sense in maintaining Atalanta's adherence to the principles established by Gasperini. This continuity suggests La Dea shouldn't experience a dramatic decline this season, remaining a complex tactical challenge for opposing teams.

PSG have cruised through their early Ligue 1 fixtures, but Wednesday's match could serve as a reality check. Atalanta will bring an energy level that the hosts haven't encountered in their recent outings, creating opportunities for the visitors to surprise Enrique's team.

Nevertheless, even without Dembélé and Doué, PSG possesses too many match-winners in their squad to avoid victory in their title defense opener.

Prediction: PSG 2–1 Atalanta