Sarri lauds Atalanta’s early surge but warns of 30‑minute dip
Maurizio Sarri praised Atalanta’s clear improvement after their 2‑1 Serie A win over US Sassuolo in Bergamo on August 23, 2026, yet warned the side became too passive defensively after the first 30 minutes. The victory lifted the team from a nervous start following a 0‑0 Conference League draw with Hapoel Tel‑Aviv.
The Serie A opener took place at Stadio Atleti Azzurri d’Italia in BERGAMO, ITALY, with Atalanta BC hosting US Sassuolo on AUGUST 23, 2026. Giacomo Raspadori opened the scoring after six minutes, Cas Odenthal equalised for Sassuolo, and Nikola Krstovic secured the winner following the defensive error. Marco Carnesecchi produced key saves, denying Sassuolo on several occasions, and the scene was captured by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images. Nerves were felt after the 0‑0 Conference League play‑off draw with Hapoel Tel‑Aviv.
Attacking spark and early control
Maurizio Sarri, Head Coach of Atalanta, said the victory was always important and praised the team’s focus for the first 30 minutes, allowing practically nothing. He noted a definite improvement in the way the side played, especially in the attacking third. “We have become more dangerous going forward,” Sarri added in his press conference.
Sarri highlighted the wingers’ better performance compared with the previous outing and singled out Nicola Zalewski for showing more initiative. He also commended the midfield for sustaining very good work throughout the full 90 minutes. “The midfield did very good work for the whole 90 minutes,” he remarked.
Defensive lapses after 30 minutes
Despite the early dominance, Sarri warned that the side became too passive in defence after the opening 30 minutes. He explained that defending deep makes the team passive and hampers the high press he prefers. “When we defend too deep, we become passive, whereas we’ve got to build out from the back better,” he said.
The coach stressed the need to work with new arrivals, mentioning Charles De Ketelaere, who joined late because of the World Cup. Eljif Elmas made his debut on loan from RB Leipzig and will undergo further fitness tests before earning more minutes. Sarri said the squad must adapt quickly to integrate these players.
Mario Pasalic’s return was described as a reunion, with Sarri calling him a real professional with a remarkable work ethic. He recalled knowing Pasalic from Chelsea and praised the influence of the club’s historic coaches on the current team. Carnesecchi also featured prominently in the 0‑0 Conference League play‑off draw with Hapoel Tel‑Aviv, making several big saves.
The contrast between the attacking progress and the defensive passivity after thirty minutes underlines Sarri’s message that the process is ongoing. He concluded that continued work with the new players and a sharper defensive shape will determine Atalanta’s trajectory this season.