Headline: Atalanta Begins Conference League Journey Amid Early Injury Concern
Maurizio Sarri’s Atalanta era got underway on Thursday evening, with the Bergamo side hosting Hapoel Tel Aviv in the first leg of their Conference League play-off at the New Balance Arena.
It’s Atalanta’s first official fixture of the season and represents the club’s opening test in Europe before Sunday’s Serie A curtain-raiser against Sassuolo, with the winner of this tie securing direct entry into the competition’s league phase.
FLORENCE, ITALY – APRIL 13: Maurizio Sarri manager of SS Lazio looks on during the Serie A match between ACF Fiorentina and SS Lazio at Artemio Franchi on April 13, 2026 in Florence, Italy. (Photo by Gabriele Maltinti/Getty Images)
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Scalvini forced off early in Atalanta Conference League clash
Sarri’s first setback of the campaign arrived inside the opening half-hour, with Giorgio Scalvini forced off after just 26 minutes.
He was replaced by Thomas Kristensen, who was making his full debut for the club having arrived as one of Atalanta’s most recent signings, his first appearance in both the competition and the Nerazzurri shirt coming under unwanted circumstances.
The nature and severity of the issue is still being assessed, with more details expected once the club provides an update after the match.
Maurizio Sarri’s Atalanta era got underway on Thursday evening, with the Bergamo side hosting Hapoel Tel Aviv in the first leg of their Conference League play-off at the New Balance Arena.
It’s Atalanta’s first official fixture of the season and represents the club’s opening test in Europe before Sunday’s Serie A curtain-raiser against Sassuolo, with the winner of this tie securing direct entry into the competition’s league phase.
FLORENCE, ITALY – APRIL 13: Maurizio Sarri manager of SS Lazio looks on during the Serie A match between ACF Fiorentina and SS Lazio at Artemio Franchi on April 13, 2026 in Florence, Italy. (Photo by Gabriele Maltinti/Getty Images)
Advertisement
Scalvini forced off early in Atalanta Conference League clash
Sarri’s first setback of the campaign arrived inside the opening half-hour, with Giorgio Scalvini forced off after just 26 minutes.
He was replaced by Thomas Kristensen, who was making his full debut for the club having arrived as one of Atalanta’s most recent signings, his first appearance in both the competition and the Nerazzurri shirt coming under unwanted circumstances.
The nature and severity of the issue is still being assessed, with more details expected once the club provides an update after the match.
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