Sarri Anticipates Tough Hapoel Challenge in Atalanta Conference League Play-off

FolioPitch.com – 27 August 2026 | Maurizio Sarri anticipates tough Hapoel challenge in Atalanta Conference League play-off as his side prepare for the decisive second leg in Hungary on Thursday. The tie remains level after a goalless first leg at the New Balance Arena, and the Atalanta coach is fully aware that the Israeli side will pose a serious threat.

Speaking to Sky Sport Italia, Sarri did not hide his respect for the opponent. “It’ll be a difficult match, we saw that in the first leg, but we have to be convinced we can do it. Clearly without becoming presumptuous. We want to play in a European competition. It’ll be tough against a team in great physical condition.” The comments underline that Sarri anticipates tough Hapoel challenge in Atalanta Conference League play-off, and he expects the return leg to be just as demanding as the first.

Atalanta have injury concerns to manage, particularly with Charles De Ketelaere. The Belgian forward is available again after a minor adductor problem but Sarri is unsure whether to start him or bring him on from the bench. “He’s trained very little after the small adductor problem,” the coach explained. “He did half an hour in the league, his usage will have to be partial. I don’t know whether to start him or bring him on, also because we don’t know how long the match will last.”

The centre-forward spot is also undecided, with Gianluca Scamacca and Nikola Krstovic competing for a starting place. Sarri admitted he has not yet settled on his choice. “I haven’t decided yet,” he said. “They’re doing well and both seem to be improving. Over the season they’ll alternate based on who is in better shape, then we’ll also play them together.”

Sarri anticipates tough Hapoel challenge in Atalanta Conference League play-off not only because of the scoreline but also because of the opponent’s style. Hapoel Tel Aviv have already eliminated Ludogorets and GKS Katowice to reach this stage, and they showed in Bergamo that they are well organised and dangerous on the break. “They gather well and then break well,” Sarri noted. “I don’t think they’ll change their attitude much, we’ll see.”

Elyaniv Barda’s side will host the second leg at a neutral venue in Hungary due to the security situation in Israel. That removes any home advantage but also means a fully focused away performance is required from Atalanta. The Italian side must impose their own game while staying alert to Hapoel’s counter-attacking threats.

Sarri also gave an honest assessment of his team’s progress in implementing his tactical ideas. “It’s still lacking, there’s no point saying otherwise today,” he said. “The most difficult moment will be when they think they know how to do certain things and instead they still aren’t able to.” Those words suggest that despite the team’s good run, the coach believes there is still significant room for improvement.

The match is a crucial one for Atalanta, who are aiming to progress in the Conference League and keep their European dreams alive. Sarri anticipates tough Hapoel challenge in Atalanta Conference League play-off, but he also wants his players to approach the game with confidence and determination. The goalless first leg means that any score draw would take the game to extra time, while a win would seal qualification.

With De Ketelaere back in the squad and both Scamacca and Krstovic in form, Atalanta have options in attack. The key will be finding the right balance between attacking intent and defensive solidity. Sarri’s tactical adjustments will be closely watched, especially after his admission that the team is still adapting to his methods.

Hapoel Tel Aviv are not to be underestimated. Their journey through the earlier rounds has shown their resilience, and they will be determined to cause an upset. Atalanta must be at their best to advance, and Sarri knows that the outcome will depend on both mental strength and technical execution.

As the players prepare for the trip to Hungary, the message from the coach is clear: respect the opponent, but believe in your own ability. Sarri anticipates tough Hapoel challenge in Atalanta Conference League play-off, but he is also confident that his team can rise to the occasion. The fans will be hoping for a strong performance and a place in the next round of the competition.

Ultimately, this play-off represents a major opportunity for Atalanta to continue their European journey. With Sarri’s experience and the quality in the squad, they have every chance of progressing. But as the coach himself has warned, nothing will come easy against a Hapoel side that has already shown its pedigree in this competition.