Atalanta's Scamacca fit for Juventus clash as Hien remains a doubt
Atalanta have received a significant boost ahead of their crucial Serie A encounter with Juventus this weekend, with striker Gianluca Scamacca declared fit to return. The news comes from the club's training ground at Zingonia, where the Italian international has resumed full training with the squad. His recovery provides a timely lift for coach Raffaele Palladino, whose side faces a pivotal period in their pursuit of Champions League qualification.
The 25-year-old forward had been sidelined since March 21 with a first-grade muscle-fascial lesion to his right adductor, a minor tear likely sustained during the Champions League round of 16 second-leg clash against Bayern Munich. The injury forced Scamacca to withdraw from the recent Italy squad for their 2026 World Cup qualifying playoffs against Northern Ireland and Bosnia, despite receiving an initial call-up.
Scamacca's return is a major positive for Atalanta's attacking options as they prepare to host Juventus at the Gewiss Stadium on Saturday. The match is critical in the race for a top-four finish, with Atalanta currently fighting to close the gap on the teams above them. A positive result against Massimiliano Allegri's side would significantly enhance their prospects of securing a return to Europe's premier club competition next season.
The striker's form this campaign has been a key component of La Dea's success, making his availability all the more important. Since joining from West Ham United last summer, Scamacca has rediscovered his scoring touch in Bergamo, contributing vital goals both in Serie A and during the club's run to the Europa League quarter-finals. His physical presence and link-up play are considered central to Palladino's tactical approach.
However, the injury news is not entirely positive for Atalanta. Defender Isak Hien remains a doubt for the Juventus fixture and the subsequent Coppa Italia semi-final second leg against Lazio. The Swedish centre-back suffered post-traumatic issues to the myotendinous junction of his left biceps femoris during his national team's playoff defeat to Ukraine in Seville on March 26. His potential absence would be a blow to a defensive unit seeking to contain Juventus's attacking threats.
The club will continue to assess Hien's condition in the coming days. Palladino now faces key selection decisions, balancing the immediate need for points in the league with the upcoming cup tie, where Atalanta hold a 1-0 lead from the first leg. The return of Scamacca at least offers the manager greater flexibility in his team selection and tactical planning for this decisive phase of the season.
