Atalanta are set to welcome Bayern Munich to the New Balance Arena (Gewiss Stadium) in Bergamo on Tuesday, 10th March 2026. Kick-off is 8:00 PM GMT (9:00 PM WAT / 9:00 PM CET) – which should give the fans a thrilling evening in store. This UEFA Champions League Round of 16 first-leg tie marks the very first competitive meeting between the two teams.
With Atalanta having come off the back of a successful Europa League run in 2024 and of course a great European run – they are looking strong under the guidance of Gian Piero Gasperini. Meanwhile, Vincent Kompany‘s Bayern are top of the Bundesliga, chasing a first UCL title since 2020 following an impressive league campaign.
Match Summary
Atalanta currently sit 7th in Serie A but when it comes to Europe, they really step up their game. They’ve made it to the round of 16 for the first time in five years thanks to solid home form and an attacking flair that’s been doing some damage. It must be said, they tend to do pretty well against German sides – winning 4 out of their last five matches since 2024. And when Atalanta are at home (New Balance Arena), you can expect high pressing and a lot of set-pieces as they aim to cause some mischief.
Bayern, on the other hand, are looking strong in the Bundesliga, coming off a 4-1 win over Borussia Mönchengladbach and boasting a impressive scoring record (22 UCL goals) and just one loss so far this season (away to Arsenal). Plus, they have a pretty good knockout record (13 wins in last 14 round-of-16 ties) and will be looking to get a lead that they can take to the Allianz Arena return on March 18th.
Expect this to be a clash of goals – Bayern score in every UCL game, meanwhile Atalanta’s counters are going to be looking to pick up some spaces along the way.
Head-to-head: This is Atalanta’s first meeting against Bayern – which should add some unpredictability to the mix.
Possible Lineups
Atalanta ( likely 3-4-2-1 or 3-4-1-2): Carnesecchi is most likely in goal – with Kossounou, Hien and Kolasinac forming a solid back three. Zappacosta, de Roon, Pasalic and Bernasconi form midfield, while Samardzic and Zalewski lead the attack alongside Scamacca upfront.
Gian Piero Gasperini has a fairly healthy squad to choose from, with only a few small injuries to worry about, but Gianluca Scamacca is leading the attack with his physicality and finishing skills after putting in some strong performances.
Bayern Munich ( likely 4-2-3-1): Neuer is in goal, with Laimer, Upamecano, Tah and Davies forming the back four. Kimmich and Pavlovic are in midfield, while Olise, Musiala and Díaz form a high-powered attack behind Harry Kane
Vincent Kompany has a strong lineup, with only a few major absentees to worry about. Harry Kane is in top form, with assists from Michael Olise (7 in the last 10) and the flair of Luis Díaz, who’s been in great form recently.
Prediction
Its worth noting that Bayern’s form, attacking strength and knockout pedigree all point to them being the favourites here, even away from home. Harry Kane and Michael Olise can really punish Atalanta on the counter and with Bayerns control, Atalanta’s press will be limited. Atalanta’s home magic will probably get them a goal, and Gianluca Scamacca is a threat, but Bayern should be able to secure a narrow first-leg advantage in what’s going to be a thrilling, high-scoring match.
Final score prediction: Atalanta 1-2 Bayern Munich
