Atalanta Faces Growing Injury Woes After Draw with Fiorentina
Maurizio Sarri expresses concern over Atalanta’s worsening injury situation following a 2-2 tie against Fiorentina on Tuesday. ‘We are still alive and kicking, but it keeps getting more complicated,’ he remarked after the match.
Entering the Stadio Artemio Franchi in Florence already depleted, Atalanta’s lineup took another hit when Thomas Kristensen limped off within the first five minutes, grasping his thigh.
Despite this setback, Atalanta struck first with a goal from Charles De Ketelaere before quick responses from Alieu Njie and Joao Mario turned the game in Fiorentina’s favor after halftime. In an exciting finish, Nicola Zalewski equalized for the visitors, concluding the match at 2-2. This result came in the wake of an earlier thrilling 4-4 draw against Frosinone over the weekend.
Sarri Takes Comfort in Team’s Effort
BERGAMO, ITALY – OCTOBER 25: Maurizio Sarri, Head Coach of Atalanta BC looks during the Serie A match between Atalanta BC and Frosinone Calcio at Stadio Atleti Azzurri d’Italia on October 25, 2026 in Bergamo, Italy. (Photo by Pier Marco Tacca/Getty Images)
“Fiorentina started strong, but we stayed in the game and created numerous chances that we could’ve capitalized on,” Sarri commented in his post-match interview with DAZN Italia. “Given our current struggles, we are still alive and competing. Compared to some of our disappointing performances from earlier weeks, I would say we are moving in the right direction.”
The injury concerns even extended to the officiating team, as referee Federico La Penna suffered a muscle injury during halftime, necessitating a delay while Livio Marinelli stepped in as the fourth official.
FLORENCE, ITALY – OCTOBER 29: Livio Marinelli referee looks on during the Serie A match between ACF Fiorentina and Atalanta BC at Stadio Artemio Franchi on October 29, 2026 in Florence, Italy. (Photo by Gabriele Maltinti/Getty Images)
“The extended break due to the referee’s injury made the second half challenging,” Sarri noted, adding, “Our current predicament is increasingly complicated. I’m not sure if Gianluca Gaetano has an issue as well; I need to check with the doctor.” He acknowledged the daunting situation, stating, “I am indeed worried. With eight players sidelined today and two returning to the bench, it’s a tough spot for us, but we won’t dwell on it.”
FLORENCE, ITALY – OCTOBER 29: Charles De Ketelaere of Atalanta BC celebrates after scoring the opening goal during the Serie A match between ACF Fiorentina and Atalanta BC at Stadio Artemio Franchi on October 29, 2026 in Florence, Italy. (Photo by Gabriele Maltinti/Getty Images)
Atalanta’s injury list includes key players such as Gianluca Scamacca, Raoul Bellanova, Giacomo Raspadori, Franck Kessie, Sead Kolasinac, Isak Hien, Thomas Pompei, and Odilon Kossounou.
Although Sarri had previously criticized De Ketelaere’s performances, he acknowledged the player’s significant contribution in this match, noting both his goal and assist for Zalewski. “He had to show what he’s got, and that’s precisely what he did,” Sarri concluded.
