The final Serie A fixture of the 2025 calendar year brings a high-stakes "Battle of the Nerazzurri" to Bergamo. Atalanta host league-leaders Inter Milan today, Sunday, December 28, 2025, at the newly renovated New Balance Arena (formerly Gewiss Stadium).
Inter arrive looking to consolidate their lead at the top of the table before the New Year, while a resurgent Atalanta, revitalized under Raffaele Palladino, aims to break a decade-long winless streak against the Milanese giants.
Match Details
Kick-off: 20:45 CET (19:45 GMT / 14:45 ET)
Venue: New Balance Arena, Bergamo
Broadcast: Paramount+ (US) / DAZN (UK/Italy)
Current Form: Leaders vs. The Great Revival
Inter Milan: Seeking Stability After Supercoppa
Under Cristian Chivu, Inter have been the dominant force in Italy this season, currently sitting in 1st place with 33 points. However, they arrive in Bergamo seeking to bounce back from a disappointing Supercoppa Italiana exit, where they were knocked out in the semi-finals by Bologna on penalties. Despite that setback, their league form is imperious, having won six of their last seven Serie A matches.
Atalanta: The Palladino Bounce
Raffaele Palladino has worked wonders in Bergamo since taking over. Atalanta have climbed to 9th place after a shaky start, winning six of their last seven matches across all competitions. They have turned their home ground into a fortress again, recording four consecutive victories at the New Balance Arena, including a notable scalp against Chelsea in Europe.
Team News & Predicted Lineups
Atalanta Team News
The hosts are severely hampered by the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) and a mounting injury list in defense.
Out (AFCON): Ademola Lookman, Odilon Kossounou.
Injuries: Raoul Bellanova (Hamstring), Berat Djimsiti (Ankle), Mitchell Bakker (ACL).
Predicted XI (3-4-2-1): Carnesecchi; Hien, De Roon, Kolasinac; Zappacosta, Ederson, Pasalic, Ruggeri; Samardzic, De Ketelaere; Scamacca.
Inter Milan Team News
Cristian Chivu has a few selection headaches, particularly on the right flank.
Out: Denzel Dumfries (Ankle), Francesco Acerbi (Muscle), Ange-Yoan Bonny (Thigh).
Return: Hakan Calhanoglu is expected to return to the starting lineup after resting in the Supercoppa.
Predicted XI (3-5-2): Sommer; Akanji, Bisseck, Bastoni; Henrique, Barella, Calhanoglu, Mkhitaryan, Dimarco; Thuram, Martinez.
Head-to-Head: A Long Shadow
Atalanta has historically struggled in this regional rivalry. Inter’s dominance over "La Dea" has been absolute in recent seasons.
Last 13 Meetings: Inter are unbeaten (8 wins, 5 draws).
Winning Streak: Inter have won the last seven head-to-head battles in all competitions.
Last Meeting: Atalanta 0–2 Inter (March 2025).
Tactical Analysis: First-Half Pressure vs. Home Resilience
The Inter "Blitz"
Inter have scored nine "quick" goals (within the first 15 minutes) this season. Their strategy under Chivu focuses on aggressive high-pressing from the whistle to force errors from tired or unsettled defenses. Lautaro Martínez, who has scored in three consecutive league games, will be the focal point of this assault.
Atalanta’s Midfield Anchor
With key defenders out, Marten de Roon has been dropping into the back three, leaving the creative burden to Charles De Ketelaere. Atalanta will likely play a more patient game, looking to use Gianluca Scamacca's physicality to hold up the ball and bypass Inter’s midfield press.
Match Prediction
Atalanta is in the best form they’ve seen in years, but Inter’s psychological edge in this fixture is undeniable. While the Bergamo crowd will be electric, Inter's depth and the clinical nature of the Thuram-Martinez partnership often prove too much for depleted defenses.
Final Score Prediction: Atalanta 1–2 Inter Milan
