Real Madrid are set to begin their 2024/25 campaign a bit earlier than everyone else, as they are slated to take on Atalanta in the UEFA Super Cup final this midweek.
The reigning European champions have already released their official squad for the game in Warsaw, featuring new signings Kylian Mbappe and Endrick.
Atalanta to miss key midfielder
Real Madrid’s opponent Atalanta, though, are having a hard time finalising their squad, with coach Gian Piero Gasperini likely to miss a few star players.
As reported by AS, Atalanta are approaching the historic date with Real Madrid without having resolved the most complicated case of their summer, that of Teun Koopmeiners.
The Dutchman was one of the protagonists of last season for La Dea, an untouchable starter with 51 appearances, 15 goals, and seven assists.
The Bergamo side were also counting on him for this season, but the midfielder had other plans.
Gasperini confirmed that Koopmeiners refuses to train and has decided to leave for Juventus. Despite an agreement with Juventus, the negotiation for his sale remains stalled, with a gap of almost €10 million between the teams.
Three other players missing
Atalanta also face other setbacks, with recently signed Nicolo Zaniolo sidelined due to tendonitis and defender Rafael Toloi out with muscle discomfort.
They join Giorgio Scalvini and Gianluca Scamacca, who are already out with serious injury issues.
Additionally, forward El Bilal Toure is on the market after expressing his desire to leave, following a year marred by a serious thigh injury.
These absences significantly weaken Atalanta, as Gasperini admitted, making them “much less competitive” than the team that triumphed in the last Europa League.
Real Madrid will aim to capitalize on these issues to secure the first trophy of the season.