JOSIP ILICIC NEWS

Inter signs Acerbi; AC Milan adds youngsters on deadline day

Inter Milan added veteran center back Francesco Acerbi and AC Milan acquired two more promising young players in 19-year-old Belgian midfielder Aster Vranckx and 21-year-old Americ...

SEPTEMBER 1, 2022 • Associated Press

Takes one shot versus Empoli Ilicic created two scoring chances, took one off-target shot and sent in two crosses (one accurate) in eight minutes in Saturday's 0-1 loss to Empoli.

Impact Ilicic fared well considering his limited playing time and the fact the had not featured in months. He will have a full summer to get fully in shape and back into the thick of things. He seems to be trending in the right direction following a lengthy absence due to mental health problems. He has posted four goals, five assists, 35 shots (eight on target) and 45 chances in 24 appearances (11 starts) in 2021/2022.

MAY 26, 2022 • ROTOWIRE

Called up for Empoli game Ilicic (mental health) has been named in Atalanta's squad list to face Empoli Saturday.

Impact Ilicic returned to practice in the last couple of weeks after missing extended time due to mental health problems, and also a thigh strain. He is a long shot to feature, but it is surely a positive sign toward the resumption of his playing time. He last appeared in January.

MAY 20, 2022 • ROTOWIRE

Out indefinitely Ilicic is dealing with mental health issues and it is uncertain when he will be able to make his return to the team, coach Gian Piero Gasperini confirmed.

Impact Ilicic has been seen in practice in the past week, and there is clearly no timetable for him to come back, as he has to take care of bigger issues. Atalanta will rely on their other attackers in the next few matches.

JANUARY 23, 2022 • ROTOWIRE

Doubtful for Lazio clash Ilicic is dealing with psychophysical problems and has barely practiced this week, Sky Italy reports.

Impact Ilicic missed extended time two years ago due to mental health issues, and so the situation is rather uncertain and worrisome. Matteo Pessina, Mario Pasalic and Aleksey Miranchuk would see increased playing time if both Ilicic and Ruslan Malinovskyi remained sidelined.

JANUARY 21, 2022 • ROTOWIRE

Unavailable against Inter Ilicic is missing from Atalanta's game-day squad list to face Inter Sunday.

Impact Ilicic was considered in contention to start with Ruslan Malinovskyi in this one, but both attackers are late scratches. Matteo Pessina and Mario Pasalic are starting in their places.

JANUARY 16, 2022 • ROTOWIRE

Delivers eight crosses in loss Ilicic created five chances, delivered eight crosses and drew two fouls in Saturday's 4-1 loss versus Roma.

Impact Ilicic was not able to find the back of the net but he still managed to rack up offensive stats due to his role on set pieces. The striker has now registered three assists in his last five appearances in all competitions, along with racking up seven shots, 18 chances created and 20 crosses.

DECEMBER 19, 2021 • ROTOWIRE

Provides assist in UCL loss Ilicic made an assist, had one off-target shots, created six chances, sent in seven crosses (four accurate) and drew four fouls during Thursday's 3-2 Champions League loss against...

Impact Ilicic was very active on the offensive end, racking up season highs in chances created, crosses, accurate crosses and fouls drawn. And his efforts were rewarded with an appearance on the scoresheet as he set up Duvan Zapata's goal that cut his side's deficit to just one goal with ten minutes to play. This was the third consecutive match with an assist for the forward and he'll try to extend the streak during Sunday's Serie A visit to Verona.

DECEMBER 10, 2021 • ROTOWIRE

Sets up teammate in Napoli clash Ilicic created three scoring chances, sent in two crosses (one accurate), drew two fouls and picked up an assist in Saturday's 3-2 win over Napoli.

Impact Ilicic had a productive cameo off the bench and teed up Remo Freuler for the game-winning goal with a great pass in the box. Even though he does always start, he has posted two goals, two assists, 14 shots and 14 chances created in the last six appearances. Atalanta will host Villarreal in Champions League Wednesday and then visit Verona next Sunday.

DECEMBER 5, 2021 • ROTOWIRE

Provides assist against Venezia Ilicic took five shots (zero on target), sent in three crosses (one accurate), created three scoring chances and picked up an assist in Tuesday's 4-0 win over Venezia.

Impact Ilicic could not capitalize on a solid number of attempts, but he set up the first Mario Pasalic goal with a quality feed in the box. He has tallied three goals, one helper, 13 shots and 11 chances created in the last six appearances, generally sharing time with Ruslan Malinovskyi. Atalanta will face Napoli away Saturday.

DECEMBER 1, 2021 • ROTOWIRE

Silent versus Spezia Ilicic took one off-target shot, created one scoring chance, drew one foul and won one duel in Saturday's 5-2 win over Spezia.

Impact Ilicic was the only Atalanta attacker to have a subpar performance in this one as all the others made the stat-sheet. He has shared duties with Ruslan Malinovskvi in recent games. He has posted four goals, 13 shots and 15 chances created in the last eight tilts, starting six times. Atalanta will visit Young Boys in Champions League Tuesday and then Juventus next Saturday.

NOVEMBER 20, 2021 • ROTOWIRE

Comes off bench against Cagliari Ilicic took three shots (two on target), sent in four crosses (two accurate), created one scoring chance and drew three fouls in 27 minutes in Saturday's 2-1 win over Cagliari.

Impact Ilicic was used as a sub in this one, but he still contributed in a meaningful fashion and stuffed the stat-sheet on the offensive end. He has drawn the start in five of the past seven matches, recording four goals, 12 shots, 14 chances created and 14 crosses. Atalanta will host Spezia after the break.

NOVEMBER 7, 2021 • ROTOWIRE

Finds target against Manchester United Ilicic took one shot on target, created three chances, drew four fouls and scored a goal in Tuesday's 2-2 draw with Manchester United.

Impact Ilicic hit the net with his lone shot, as it was powerful enough to slide underneath David De Gea's body. He also paced his team in chances. He has gotten the start, mostly over Ruslan Malinovskyi, in five of the past six matches, tallying four goals, nine shots, 13 chances created and ten crosses. Atalanta will face Cagliari away Saturday.

NOVEMBER 3, 2021 • ROTOWIRE

Lively against Lazio Ilicic took one off-target shot, sent in five crosses (three accurate), created three scoring chances and had seven successful take-ons in Saturday's 2-2 draw with Lazio.

Impact Ilicic drew the start in this one and was often the most threatening man for his side even though he fired off just once. He is set to remain in the mix, either starting or off the bench. He has scored three times and added eight shots, ten chances created and ten crosses in the last five matches. Atalanta will host Manchester United in Champions League Tuesday and then visit Cagliari next Saturday.

OCTOBER 30, 2021 • ROTOWIRE

Adds late insurance goal Ilicic scored a goal while taking two shots (one on goal) during Wednesday's 3-1 win over Sampdoria.

Impact Ilicic entered the match in the 59th minute and found the back of the net five minutes into stoppage time. The goal was the third of the season as he made the most of his limited time on the pitch.

OCTOBER 27, 2021 • ROTOWIRE

Shut down in draw Ilicic shot twice, off target during Sunday's one-all draw with Udinese.

Impact Ilicic was completely shut down during Sunday's draw, failing to get anything done, and failing to get anywhere near the scoresheet. The forward has two goals and two assists on the season, but hasn't even been a consistent starter in what has been a massively disappointing season. Next up is a Wednesday trip to Sampdoria, where Ilicic only has value in the starting XI.

OCTOBER 24, 2021 • ROTOWIRE

Scores brace and misses PK against Empoli Ilicic took three shots (two on target), created three chances, drew three fouls and scored twice in Sunday's 4-1 win over Empoli.

Impact Ilicic delivered on a rare start, hitting the net on a tap-in and on a gorgeous curled shot. However, he could not complete the hat-trick as he skied a penalty kick in the second half. He had yet to score in the season, while he had provided two assists. He has notched 13 shots, 12 chances created and 13 crosses in nine games. Atalanta will face Manchester United away Wednesday and host Udinese next Sunday.

OCTOBER 17, 2021 • ROTOWIRE

Wins three duels against Milan Ilicic took one off-target shot, had one interception and two successful take-on and won three duels in 34 minutes in Sunday's 2-3 loss to Milan.

Impact Ilicic was not particularly impactful even though his side scored twice after he subbed in. He is unlikely to be elevated from a backup role. He has tallied two goals, nine shots, nine chances crated and 11 crosses in eight appearances. Atalanta will face Empoli away after the break.

OCTOBER 4, 2021 • ROTOWIRE

Buys off bench against Inter Ilicic took three shots (one on target), sent in five crosses (two accurate), created two scoring chances and drew three fouls in 28 minutes in Saturday's 2-2 draw with Inter.

Impact Ilicic was again used as a super-sub and appears to be hitting his stride in such role, as he put together another strong stat-line, even though he did not manage to score or assist in this one. He has posted two helpers, nine shots, nine chances created and ten crosses in seven appearances (two starts) thus far. Atalanta will host Young Boys in Champions League Wednesday and then Atalanta next Sunday.

SEPTEMBER 26, 2021 • ROTOWIRE

Provides assist against Salernitana Ilicic sent in three crosses (zero accurate), created two scoring chances, drew four fouls and picked up an assist in Saturday's 1-0 win over Salernitana.

Impact Ilicic came off the bench well at halftime in a game where Atalanta surprisingly struggled to generate offense. He came through in the final minutes by escaping a defender and teeing up Duvan Zapata in the box for the game-winner. The good display could help him gain more minutes as he has started just in two out of five matches thus far. He has posted two assists, five shots, six chances and five crosses. Atalanta will host Sassuolo Tuesday.

SEPTEMBER 19, 2021 • ROTOWIRE

Misfires against Bologna Ilicic took four shots (zero on target), sent in one inaccurate cross, created one scoring chance and drew three fouls in Saturday's 0-0 draw versus Bologna.

Impact Ilicic co-paced his team in shooting with a few teammates, but he was unable to find the target in any of his attempts. His minutes increased in the first two rounds because Duvan Zapata is out and Ruslan Malinovskyi is not fully fit. He picked up an assist last week. Atalanta will host Fiorentina after the break.

AUGUST 29, 2021 • ROTOWIRE

Provides assist against Torino Ilicic created two scoring chances, had two successful take-ons, won three duels and picked up an assist in Saturday's 2-1 win over Torino.

Impact Ilicic was attributed a pretty generous assist as he slipped it to Luis Muriel before the teammates picked his way through defenders and fired it home from long range. He is set to see an uptick of playing time with Duvan Zapata hurt. He posted six goals and nine assists in 28 matches (17 starts) last season. Atalanta will host Bologna Saturday.

AUGUST 22, 2021 • ROTOWIRE

Unused versus Milan Ilicic did not feature in the last two games of the season against Milan and Genoa.

Impact Ilicic fell out of favor primarily due to the rise of Ruslan Malinovskyi in the second half of the campaign. He finished with six goals, nine assists, 61 chances created and 97 crosses in 28 Serie A matches (17 starts).

JUNE 1, 2021 • ROTOWIRE