Conference League line-ups Atalanta vs Pafos: Sarri’s All-Attack Approach Secures 3-1 Win

FolioPitch.com – 16 October 2026 | In the opening matchday of the Conference League, all eyes were on the Conference League line-ups Atalanta vs Pafos as Maurizio Sarri’s Atalanta hosted David Luiz‘s Pafos at the New Balance Arena. The Italian side, under pressure after a stuttering start to their Serie A campaign, opted for a bold attacking lineup that paid dividends in a 3-1 victory.

Atalanta boss Maurizio Sarri, facing an injury crisis in defense, stuck with the 4-2-3-1 formation that had ended a three-game losing streak in Serie A. With Giorgio Scalvini, Isak Hien, Raoul Bellanova, Odilon Kossounou, Franck Kessie, and Kamaldeen Sulemana all unavailable, Sarri entrusted Thomas Kristensen and Sead Kolasinac with defensive duties. Mario Pasalic and Gianluca Gaetano were deployed as a double pivot to shield the backline, while Eljif Elmas, Giacomo Raspadori, and Nicola Zalewski supported lone striker Gianluca Scamacca.

Pafos, who dropped into the Conference League after elimination from Europa League qualifying by RB Salzburg, fielded former Chelsea defender David Luiz, reuniting him with his old Stamford Bridge boss Sarri. The Cypriot side were without Nicolas Moumi Ngamaleu, David Goldar, Jay Gorter, Charalampos Kryiakidis, and Jajá due to injuries. Nikolas Ioannou, familiar to Italian fans from his time at Como and Sampdoria, started in defense.

The Conference League line-ups Atalanta vs Pafos promised an intriguing tactical battle, and it took just one minute for Atalanta to break the deadlock. Eljif Elmas, assisted by Giacomo Raspadori, fired home to give the hosts a dream start. Raspadori then turned scorer on 18 minutes, doubling the lead. Just before half-time, Gianluca Scamacca, set up by Charles De Ketelaere, made it 3-0, effectively sealing the points.

Pafos improved after the break, and their persistence paid off in the 88th minute when Biel, assisted by Anderson Silva, grabbed a consolation goal. However, it was too late to mount a comeback.

Statistically, Atalanta dominated with 65% possession and 20 total shots, seven on target. Pafos managed 35% possession and eight shots, five on target. The hosts also had six corners to Pafos’s two, while fouls were evenly contested (13-11).

The Conference League line-ups Atalanta vs Pafos highlighted Sarri’s attacking intent, with Elmas, Raspadori, and Zalewski interchanging behind Scamacca. Despite the defensive absentees, Atalanta’s makeshift backline held firm for most of the match.

For Pafos, the experience of David Luiz was evident, but the team struggled to contain Atalanta’s fluid front four. The result leaves Atalanta top of the group after matchday one, while Pafos will look to bounce back in their next fixture.

In conclusion, Atalanta’s convincing win, inspired by their attacking Conference League line-ups Atalanta vs Pafos, sets a positive tone for their European campaign. Sarri’s tactical flexibility and the team’s clinical finishing were the key factors in a comfortable victory.