Enzo Maresca has made a call against Atalanta that many Chelsea fans have been wanting for weeks.
The Blues will have travelled to Bergamo with a feeling of urgency after back-to-back disappointing showings against Leeds and Bournemouth.
Atalanta were named favourites over Chelsea coming into the tie, with the oddsmakers seeing the home advantage as enough to give the Italian side an edge, despite both sides sitting on ten points after five games.
Chelsea’s starting XI for this Champions League tie has plenty of physicality and attacking threat, but it’s the decision to start Josh Acheampong that is sure to be a popular one with fans.
Confirmed Chelsea XI to take on Atalanta!
Happy with this side?
Robert Sanchez
Josh Acheampong
Trevoh Chalobah
Benoit Badiashile
Marc Cucurella
Moises Caicedo
Reece James
Enzo Fernandez
Pedro Neto
Jamie Gittens
Joao Pedro
Subs: Jorgensen, Merrick, Gusto, Tosin, Fofana, Hato, Santos, Buonanotte, Estevao, Garnacho, George, Guiu
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Enzo Maresca explains starting Josh Acheampong against Atalanta
The last time Acheampong made it into the starting lineup was back in October.
Since then, there have been plenty of questionable performances at the back. Maresca admitted Acheampong should have started against Leeds, and went with the 19-year-old at right-back.
Asked about the decision on TNT Sports before the game, Maresca said: “I think it’s always the right game to start for Josh [Acheampong]. The thing is we have more central defenders so try to use all of them. Hopefully tonight he can have a good game.”
With James featuring more often in midfield, a space is opening up at right-back to compete with Malo Gusto.
There’s no reason why the talented Acheampong can’t find more minutes there.
Atalanta BC v Chelsea FC - UEFA Champions League 2025/26 League Phase MD6
Photo by Darren Walsh/Chelsea FC via Getty Images
Chelsea U19s applauded in the away end
Chelsea’s Under 19s faced Atalanta just a few hours before the first team’s kick-off. A Jesse Derry brace and a goal from Reggie Walsh gave the young Blues a 3-1 win
That takes them to the top of the UEFA Youth League, and the travelling supporters made sure to give the future Chelsea stars their due.
Kieran Gill shared a video on X of the U19s making their way to their seats, receiving a booming applause from the rest of the away end.
They’ll be looking at Acheampong in particular, and seeing the path they themselves can take to play in the Champions League.
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