Atalanta have won only two of their last nine meetings with English clubs, both of which were actually victories over Liverpool at Anfield.
Chelsea had lost five successive trips to Italy prior to beating AC Milan at San Siro in 2022, so are therefore targeting back-to-back away wins over Serie A outfits for the first time in 22 years.
Atalanta vs Chelsea preview
Chelsea start the night seventh in the gigantic Champions League table, so will they move three points closer to securing a top eight finish? Last time out in this competition, Enzo Maresca's side claimed a statement victory by demolishing Barcelona 3-0; Estêvão Willian and Liam Delap on target during the second half at Stamford Bridge. The Blues have now won all three home games in the league phase, also beating Benfica and Ajax, but are yet to win on the road, swatted aside by Bayern Munich before a chaotic 2-2 draw with Qarabağ in Baku last month.
Meantime, in the Premier League, Chelsea were title contenders a week ago, but are now fifth, below Crystal Palace, having failed to win any of their last three. Last mid-week, the Blues were calamitous during a 3-1 defeat against Leeds at Elland Road, before being held to a 0-0 draw by Bournemouth on Saturday. So now, can they claim a first Champions League away win since October 2022?
As for Atalanta, they also have ten points on the board, despite an eventful start to this season. Since being battered 4-0 by Paris Saint-Germain on matchday one, la Dea are unbeaten in this competition, enjoying victories over Club Brugge, Olympique de Marseille and most recently Eintracht Frankfurt. Ademola Lookman, Éderson and Charles De Ketelaere all scored during a five minute spree at Waldstadion a fortnight ago.
However, in Serie A, the Nerazzurri are down in 12th, having finished no lower than eighth since 2016, ending up third in four of the last seven seasons. This year through, they began the campaign with Ivan Jurić in charge but, after he won only four of 15 matches, he was sacked last month. Well, under Raffaele Palladino, things have not improved much, losing three of four Serie A matches, including being beaten 3-1 by Hellas Verona at the Bentegodi on Saturday. La Dea have therefore lost four of their last five in the league, only beating bottom of the table Fiorentina across their last ten. Thus, Chelsea should fancy their chances of victory at Stadio Atleti Azzurri d'Italia on Tuesday.
Atalanta vs Chelsea head-to-head record
These two clubs have never previously met.
Atalanta team news
As Raffaele Palladino searches for a winning formula, he is likely to stick with his prefered back three.
Odilon Kossounou was hooked at half time on Saturday, replaced by Sead Kolašinac, while Gianluca Scamacca's goal off the bench in Verona should see him start this time. USMNT midfielder Yunus Musah has seen just eight minutes of action across the last eight Serie A fixtures.
Lastly, Davide Zappacosta will face his former club, as will Mario Pašalić, who spent six years on Chelsea's books, but made zero appearances for the club and was loaned out five times.
Atalanta predicted lineup vs Chelsea: (4-3-3): Carnesecchi; Hien, Kossounou, Gjimshiti; Bellanova, Éderson, de Roon, Zappacosta; Lookman, De Ketelaere, Scamacca.
Atalanta player to watch vs Chelsea
Ademola Lookman did not feature at all during pre-season as he aimed to force through a move, but this did not materialise. The Nigerian international has since been re-integrated into the team, scoring against Frankfurt and Fiorentina recently, so can the South Londoner help down Chelsea?
Chelsea team news
Enzo Maresca remains without Levi Colwill, Roméo Lavia and Dário Essugo while Liam Delap is set to spend the next two months on the sidelines due to a shoulder injury suffered against Bournemouth.
Meantime, Moisés Caicedo will be raring to go, given that he is in the midst of a three match domestic suspension. Cole Palmer started on Saturday, doing so for the first time since 20 September at Old Trafford, but is unlikely to do so again here as his minutes are carefully managed.
Lastly, Andrey Santos and João Pedro would sit out next month's clash with Pafos if booked.
Chelsea predicted lineup vs Atalanta: (4-3-3): Sánchez; Gusto, Adarabioyo, Badiashile, Cucurella; Santos, Caicedo, Fernández; Estêvão, Neto, João Pedro.
Chelsea player to watch vs Atalanta
In the absence of Delap, João Pedro will lead Chelsea's line for the foreseeable future. He has four goals to his name this season, so can he now bag a first-ever Champions League goal?
Atalanta vs Chelsea prediction
Both team's respective chaotic form makes this clash difficult to call, so we're sitting on the fence and forecasting a draw, albeit Chelsea should fancy their chances of victory: Atalanta 1-1 Chelsea.
Atalanta vs Chelsea FAQs - UEFA Champions League
How to watch Atalanta vs Chelsea in the Champions League on TV channel?
Atalanta vs Chelsea in the Champions League will be available on the following TV channels;
- UK: TNT Sports 2
- USA: Paramount+
- Canada: DAZN Canada
How to watch Atalanta vs Chelsea in the Champions League on live streaming?
Atalanta vs Chelsea in the Champions League will be available on the following streaming services;
- UK: Discovery+
- USA: Paramount+
- Canada: DAZN Canada
What is the date and kick-off time for Atalanta vs Chelsea in the Champions League?
Atalanta vs Chelsea takes place on Tuesday 9 December 2025, with kick off at 20:00 (GMT), 15:00 (ET) & 12:00 (PT).