Sarri pleased with Atalanta progress but fury at absurd fixture list

FolioPitch.com – 16 October 2026 | Maurizio Sarri expressed satisfaction with Atalanta‘s continued development following their 3-1 UEFA Conference League victory over Pafos, yet the Italian coach was left seething over what he described as an ‘absurd’ fixture list that continues to plague his squad. The match, played at the Stadio di Bergamo, marked the opening fixture of the tournament proper for La Dea, who had already navigated two preliminary round ties back in August. Sarri pleased with Atalanta progress but fury at absurd fixture list was the overriding theme of his post-match comments, as he balanced praise for his players’ performance with sharp criticism of the football calendar.

Atalanta got off to a dream start, taking the lead inside the opening 50 seconds through Eljif Elmas. Giacomo Raspadori then converted a penalty, though he sustained an injury in the process, and Gianluca Scamacca completed the first-half rout. However, the clean sheet eluded them as Biel struck late for the Cypriot side, making the final score 3-1. Despite the late lapse, Sarri saw plenty of positives. ‘We started well, and unlike the game with Venezia where we had lots of chances and got disorganised, this evening we made better choices on when to be direct, when to keep possession, and allowed practically nothing until that late goal,’ Sarri told Sky Sport Italia.

The coach also highlighted the danger of underestimating opponents like Pafos, who had previously pushed Fiorentina and Juventus close. ‘There is the strong risk in these matches that the difference in quality between the squads doesn’t show, as Pafos lost 3-2 to Fiorentina last year and only narrowly lost to Juventus too. It is not to be taken for granted, so my side played well tonight,’ he added. The victory was Atalanta’s second of the week, following a 3-1 Serie A win over Venezia on Monday evening that ended a run of three consecutive league defeats. In both matches, Sarri deployed a 4-2-3-1 formation instead of his traditional 4-3-3, a tactical shift that has yielded immediate dividends.

However, the joy of victory was tempered by yet another injury setback. Raspadori is reported to have suffered a relapse of the flexor issue he initially sustained on international duty in September, adding to an already lengthy absentee list that includes Giorgio Scalvini, Franck Kessie, Kamaldeen Sulemana, Isak Hien, Odilon Kossounou, and Raoul Bellanova. Sarri did not hold back in his criticism of the football authorities. ‘There are too many muscular injuries for many players, not just with Atalanta. We ought to complain to UEFA and FIFA, because the players are subjected to an absurd calendar, it’s only logical that they will pay the consequences,’ he noted. ‘Unfortunately, these are the risks, especially when players return from international duty. Scalvini got hurt on his return from international duty, this is the fixture list, I am frankly amazed the Players’ Association doesn’t stand up and protest.’

Once again, Sarri pleased with Atalanta progress but fury at absurd fixture list was evident in his tone, as he demanded action from governing bodies. The coach’s frustration is understandable given the mounting injury crisis at the club, which threatens to derail their season. Atalanta’s unusual choice of Sarri as coach, given his starkly different style compared to predecessors Gian Piero Gasperini and Raffaele Palladino, was always going to require a period of adaptation. ‘The club is a model for anyone, I had never encountered a situation like this. Naturally, it came from many years with a completely different style of football, but the players are working hard. I hope they have significant margin for improvement,’ Sarri explained.

When asked about the team’s objectives for the season, Sarri remained cautious. ‘I honestly don’t know what we can achieve in the first year, but we have set a target for the medium-long term,’ he said. The coach’s willingness to experiment with formations and his emphasis on balance and solidity suggest a methodical approach to building a competitive side. The switch to 4-2-3-1 has made Atalanta more dangerous in attack, but Sarri acknowledged that greater defensive stability is needed. ‘We have found a way to be more dangerous in attack, now we need to seek greater balance and solidity too,’ he stated.

As Atalanta prepare for their next fixtures, the focus will be on managing the squad’s fitness and navigating the congested calendar. Sarri’s plea for reform is likely to resonate with many coaches facing similar challenges. The victory over Pafos, while impressive, serves as a reminder of the fine margins in European competition and the physical toll on players. With key players sidelined, Sarri will need to rely on his squad’s depth and tactical flexibility to maintain momentum.

In conclusion, Sarri pleased with Atalanta progress but fury at absurd fixture list encapsulates the dual narrative of the coach’s tenure so far. While the team shows promising signs of growth under his guidance, the relentless schedule and resulting injuries pose significant obstacles. Sarri’s outspoken criticism highlights a broader issue in modern football that demands attention from governing bodies. For now, Atalanta must focus on the challenges ahead, hoping that their progress on the pitch is not undermined by the physical demands off it.