PSG vs Atalanta Prediction: Champions League Preview, Lineups & Score: 17/9/2025

The Champions League returns to Paris with fireworks expected as defending champions Paris Saint-Germain host Atalanta on September 17. PSG, who lifted their first-ever Champions League trophy last season after a resounding 5-0 win over Inter Milan in the final, now aim to prove that triumph was no one-off. But their title defense begins with both high expectations and significant challenges.

PSG’s Pursuit of Back-to-Back Glory

Manager Luis Enrique enters this campaign under pressure to deliver another deep run, despite injury concerns. Ousmane Dembélé, who scored 35 goals last season and emerged as a serious Ballon d’Or candidate, has been ruled out for six weeks with a hamstring injury. Rising star Désiré Doué is also unavailable, forcing Enrique to reconfigure his attacking trio. In Dembélé’s absence, Randal Kolo Muani and Marco Asensio are expected to shoulder more responsibility on the flanks, while Kylian Mbappé—the club’s enduring talisman—remains the focal point of their offense.

PSG’s midfield remains a source of strength, with Vitinha and Fabián Ruiz dictating tempo and controlling possession. The French champions have also tightened their backline in recent months, making the Parc des Princes a fortress. Still, the absence of their star winger could test their creativity in the final third.

Atalanta’s New Era Under Juric

For Atalanta, this fixture marks the beginning of a new chapter. After more than a decade of tactical innovation under Gian Piero Gasperini, the club has turned to Ivan Juric to guide them through Europe’s elite competition. Juric inherits a side brimming with potential and eager to challenge bigger names.

The return of Gianluca Scamacca from a long ACL injury is a major boost. His strength, aerial ability, and link-up play provide Atalanta with a reliable outlet against PSG’s pressing game. Supporting Scamacca will be dynamic midfield runners, with Juric likely to emphasize aggressive pressing and quick transitions to disrupt PSG’s rhythm. While Atalanta lacks the superstar power of their Parisian hosts, their tactical unpredictability and collective discipline make them dangerous opponents.

Tactical Battle and Key Matchups

This clash promises to be a chess match of styles. PSG will dominate possession, circulating the ball through midfield and looking to exploit wide areas. Atalanta, by contrast, will rely on a compact defensive block and launch rapid counters through the wings. Set pieces may also play a decisive role, given both sides’ aerial threats.

Much will hinge on whether Atalanta can withstand PSG’s early pressure. If they succeed, they could grow into the game and trouble the French champions with well-timed breaks. However, the energy of the Parc des Princes crowd and PSG’s experience at this stage could tilt the balance.

Prediction

While Atalanta’s resilience should not be underestimated, PSG’s depth, home advantage, and pedigree make them favorites. Expect a spirited performance from the Italians, but the defending champions’ firepower is likely to prove decisive.

Prediction: PSG 3 – 1 Atalanta