PSG v Atalanta: Line-ups, stats and preview

PSG v Atalanta match preview

Seven months after going through the play-offs to reach the Champions League knockout stage, holders Paris Saint-Germain are targeting a more convincing league phase in 2025/26.

The Ligue 1 leaders are perfect in four matches this season and start their European campaign against an Atalanta side who followed up draws with Pisa and Parma with a 4-1 home win over Lecce on Sunday.

“The league phase was difficult but it all worked out well in the end,” Paris defender Marquinhos recalled of their glorious Champions League run.

“We don’t really want to go through that again; we want to start well. You never know how things will go but we know that it can all come down to minor details and that [our first] game could have a decisive impact on whether or not we go through.

“Most importantly, we’re at home and we need a good result because it’s always harder to pick up points on the road.”

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Following the end of Gian Piero Gasperini’s nine-year reign, Atalanta appointed Ivan Juric on a two-year deal in June.

The former Torino manager had an eventful 2024/25 via brief spells with Roma and Premier League relegation certainties Southampton.

“It will be a great joy for us to play PSG – the strongest team in the world at this moment,” Juric told DAZN Italia, via Football Italia.

“We must be perfect, hoping that in turn they are not at their best. We’re confident that we can have our say. It will be a special moment for me too, as it is my debut in the Champions League as a coach.”

Charles De Ketelaere scored twice and Giorgio Scalvini and Nicola Zalewski were also on the scoresheet against Lecce.

“De Ketelaere is a splendid lad with so much quality,” said Juric. “He puts a lot of effort in, too.”

PSG v Atalanta team news

Striker Ousmane Dembele (hamstring) and winger Desire Doue (calf) are out for PSG, while defender Lucas Beraldo (ankle), wideman Khvicha Kvaratskhelia (calf) and midfielder Lee (muscle) are doubts.

Atalanta have been hindered by knee problems for four players, with defenders Sead Kolasinac and Mitchel Bakker and midfielder Ederson out, as well as a doubt over striker Gianluca Scamacca.

Ademola Lookman has not been involved this season and missed out on a move to Inter before the transfer window ended.

“Lookman is a top player and I have a great relationship with him,” Juric said before the win over Lecce.

“However, at the moment, a few fundamental qualities are missing: the right attitude, humility, passion for the shirt and a sense of responsibility.

“I shouldn’t have to beg anyone to play – we are Atalanta and we represent a city and a community. It’s not up to me to plead for him; it’s up to him to prove himself.”

PSG v Atalanta predicted starting line-ups

PSG starting XI: Lucas Chevalier, Achraf Hakimi, Marquinhos, Willian Pacho, Nuno Mendes, Fabian Ruiz, Vitinha, Ibrahim Mbaye, Bradley Barcola, Goncalo Ramos, Joao Neves

Atalanta starting XI: Marco Carnesecchi, Giorgio Scalvini, Isak Hien, Berat Djimsiti, Raoul Bellanova, Marten De Roon, Mario Pasalic, Nicola Zalewski, Daniel Maldini, Charles De Ketelaere, Nikola Krstovic

How to watch PSG v Atalanta: Live stream, TV channel

The match kicks off at 20:00 BST (15:00 ET / 12:00 PT) on Wednesday and is being shown live in the UK on TNT Sports 3.

TNT Sports costs £29.99 a month through discovery+, which includes Eurosport and entertainment and is available on a vast range of devices including smart TVs and gaming consoles.

PSG v Atalanta stats

PSG v Atalanta prediction