Atalanta vs Pafos: Bellanova Rested as Precaution, Scalvini and Kessié Out for Conference League Opener

FolioPitch.com – 15 October 2026 | Atalanta vs Pafos Bellanova rested as a precaution Scalvini and Kessié out has emerged as the dominant narrative ahead of tonight’s Conference League opener in Bergamo, where Maurizio Sarri’s side will kick off their European campaign against the Cypriot champions. The Italian club has been forced into significant squad adjustments, with seven players unavailable for the 21:00 CET clash at the New Balance Arena.

Raoul Bellanova, the dynamic wing-back who has been a key outlet for Atalanta this season, will sit out the match as a precautionary measure after picking up a minor problem in Monday’s 3-1 Serie A victory over Venezia. The decision to rest Bellanova is seen as a sensible move by the coaching staff, who are keen to avoid aggravating the issue with a congested fixture list on the horizon. The same match also saw Giorgio Scalvini and Franck Kessié pick up knocks, and both have been ruled out of the Pafos encounter. Kessié, who scored in that win, joins Scalvini on the sidelines, further depleting Sarri’s options in midfield and defense.

The absentee list does not end there. Isak Hien, Odilon Kossounou, Ibrahim Sulemana, and Pompei are also unavailable, leaving Sarri with a 20-man squad for the European tie. The absence of such key personnel has prompted the coach to shuffle his pack, but he remains confident in the depth of his squad. “We have enough quality to compete,” Sarri is understood to have told his players during the pre-match briefing. “This is an opportunity for others to step up.”

There is, however, a silver lining for Atalanta. Eljif Elmas, who was sent off in the Venezia match, is available for selection because his suspension applies only to Serie A. The North Macedonian international’s availability provides a timely boost to the midfield, offering creativity and drive in the absence of Kessié. Elmas is expected to play a pivotal role in linking play between the lines and supporting the attack.

Up front, Sarri has a wealth of options to choose from. Nikola Krstovic, who scored twice on Monday, is expected to lead the line, but he faces competition from Gianluca Scamacca, Charles De Ketelaere, Giacomo Raspadori, and Rowe. The attacking depth at Sarri’s disposal is enviable, and the coach may opt for a rotation policy to keep his forwards fresh for the challenges ahead.

The full Atalanta squad for the Pafos match is as follows:

• Goalkeepers: Carnesecchi, Sportiello
• Defenders: Bernasconi, Kolasinac, Kristensen, Obric, Zalewski, Zappacosta
• Midfielders: Ederson, Elmas, Gaetano, Idele, Pasalic, Samardzic, Sonzogni
• Forwards: De Ketelaere, Krstovic, Raspadori, Rowe, Scamacca

La Gazzetta dello Sport has installed Atalanta as one of the favorites to win the Conference League, and a victory over Pafos would set the tone for a successful campaign. The Cypriot side, however, will be no pushovers. Pafos have impressed in their domestic league and will be eager to make their mark on the European stage. Atalanta vs Pafos Bellanova rested as a precaution Scalvini and Kessié out is a storyline that has dominated the build-up, but Sarri’s men must focus on the task at hand.

Historically, Atalanta have performed well in European competitions, and the club’s supporters will expect nothing less than a win. The atmosphere at the New Balance Arena is expected to be electric, with fans eager to see their team embark on another continental adventure. The absence of Bellanova, Scalvini, and Kessié will be felt, but the squad’s depth should compensate.

In conclusion, while the absences of Bellanova, Scalvini, and Kessié present a challenge, Atalanta’s squad depth and the return of Elmas provide reasons for optimism. The match against Pafos is the first step in what the club hopes will be a long and successful Conference League journey. Atalanta vs Pafos Bellanova rested as a precaution Scalvini and Kessié out will be a key talking point, but the focus must remain on securing three points. As the teams take to the pitch, all eyes will be on whether Sarri’s makeshift lineup can deliver a winning start.