Headline: Atalanta’s Sarri Sees Improvement in Win Over Sassuolo
Atalanta’s head coach Maurizio Sarri noted visible progress in his squad following their 2-1 victory over Sassuolo, although he expressed concerns about the team’s passive defending after the first 30 minutes of the match. This win comes after a challenging start to the season for the new coach, who has introduced a significantly different playing style compared to the one the team had adapted to for over a decade.
Nerves were palpable following the 0-0 draw in the first leg of the Conference League play-off against Hapoel Tel-Aviv. However, the atmosphere shifted positively with the Serie A opener. Giacomo Raspadori took the lead for Atalanta just six minutes into the game, followed by Nikola Krstovic capitalizing on a defensive blunder, which countered a temporary equalizer from Sassuolo.
In a post-match press conference, Sarri stated, “A victory is always important. We were focused for the first 30 minutes and allowed practically nothing, but then as the game wore on, we started to suffer in defence.” He emphasized the need to work with new players, particularly mentioning Charles De Ketelaere, who joined later due to World Cup obligations.
“The midfield did very good work for the whole 90 minutes, but we became too passive after the opening 30 minutes. The wingers did better than last time, Nicola Zalewski showed more initiative too,” Sarri added.
The recent draw with Hapoel Tel-Aviv featured significant saves by goalkeeper Marco Carnesecchi, who again prevented goals from Sassuolo. Sarri reflected, “We have become more dangerous going forward, but if you start to defend deep and passively then it becomes a problem.” He acknowledged the challenges of maintaining an effective pressing strategy.
Sarri praised Raspadori for his contributions, saying, “I will say that Raspadori has great quality; he struggled in pre-season, but tonight he helped the defence as well as scoring the goal.”
Additionally, Eljif Elmas made a brief debut following his loan arrival from RB Leipzig. Sarri mentioned, “We just had a look at him and thought he could play 15 minutes, but with more in-depth tests we’ll see how much he can improve in his fitness levels.”
Mario Pasalic, a familiar face for Sarri from their time at Chelsea, also played an important role. Sarri expressed admiration for Pasalic, noting his professionalism and work ethic. He concluded, “I want to congratulate this team, because the work ethic I see in them was clearly drilled into them by a great club and the great coaches who came before me.”
Maurizio Sarri saw definite improvement in Atalanta after their 2-1 victory over Sassuolo, but ‘we became too passive in our defending after the first 30 minutes.’
It has been a difficult start to the season for the new coach, who brings a very different playing style to the one that this squad had been built on for over a decade.
BERGAMO, ITALY – AUGUST 23: Maurizio Sarri, Head Coach of Atalanta looks on before the Serie A match between Atalanta BC and US Sassuolo at Stadio Atleti Azzurri d’Italia on August 23, 2026 in Bergamo, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)
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Nerves were felt after the 0-0 first leg Conference League play-off draw with Hapoel Tel-Aviv, but they were swept away with this evening’s Serie A opener.
Giacomo Raspadori broke the deadlock after six minutes, then Nikola Krstovic pounced on a defensive error following the temporary Cas Odenthal equaliser for Sassuolo.
Sarri sees Atalanta progress
BERGAMO, ITALY – AUGUST 23: Maurizio Sarri, Head Coach of Atalanta celebrates after the Serie A match between Atalanta BC and US Sassuolo at Stadio Atleti Azzurri d’Italia on August 23, 2026 in Bergamo, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)
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“A victory is always important. We were focused for the first 30 minutes and allowed practically nothing, but then as the game wore on, we started to suffer in defence,” said Sarri in his press conference.
“We need to above all work with the new players, and I include those like Charles De Ketelaere who arrived late due to the World Cup. It’s a process and we’ll see how it goes.
“The midfield did very good work for the whole 90 minutes, but we became too passive after the opening 30 minutes. The wingers did better than last time, Nicola Zalewski showed more initiative too.”
BERGAMO, ITALY – AUGUST 23: Maurizio Sarri, Head Coach of Atalanta looks on before the Serie A match between Atalanta BC and US Sassuolo at Stadio Atleti Azzurri d’Italia on August 23, 2026 in Bergamo, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)
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The 0-0 draw with Hapoel Tel-Aviv also had some big Marco Carnesecchi saves, and the goalkeeper came to their rescue again this evening to deny Sassuolo.
“We have become more dangerous going forward, but if you start to defend deep and passively then it becomes a problem. At times we struggle to press as high as I’d like,” explained Sarri.
“When we defend too deep, we become passive, whereas we’ve got to build out from the back better. I will say that Raspadori has great quality, he struggled in pre-season, but tonight he helped the defence as well as scoring the goal.”
BERGAMO, ITALY – AUGUST 23: Maurizio Sarri, Head Coach of Atalanta looks on before the Serie A match between Atalanta BC and US Sassuolo at Stadio Atleti Azzurri d’Italia on August 23, 2026 in Bergamo, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)
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Eljif Elmas came on for his debut just days after arriving from RB Leipzig on loan with option to buy.
“We just had a look at him and thought he could play 15 minutes, but with more in-depth tests we’ll see how much he can improve in his fitness levels.”
Mario Pasalic represents a reunion for Sarri as well as a long-term Atalanta fan favourite.
“He is a real professional with a remarkable work ethic. I already knew Mario at Chelsea, then he went on loan because the squad was so big. I want to congratulate this team, because the work ethic I see in them was clearly drilled into them by a great club and the great coaches who came before me.”
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