Sarri Sees Silver Lining: Atalanta ‘More Positive Than Negative’ Despite Late Ajax Defeat

FolioPitch.com – 23 October 2026 | Maurizio Sarri insisted that there were ‘more positives than negatives’ to take from Atalanta‘s 2-0 Conference League loss to Ajax on Wednesday night, even as he admitted that going into the final five minutes, ‘the last thing I was thinking about was defeat.’ The Italian coach’s assessment encapsulated the frustration of a match that slipped away in Amsterdam, but his comments also highlighted the encouraging aspects of a performance that, for long stretches, suggested Atalanta were capable of leaving the Johan Cruijff Arena with at least a point. The Sarri Atalanta more positive than negative unexpected defeat to Ajax narrative dominated the post-match discussion, with the veteran tactician choosing to focus on the development of his side rather than the harsh outcome.

Atalanta had enjoyed a decent share of possession and created several good scoring opportunities, but they were ultimately undone by two late errors. The first came when youth academy product Relja Obric was muscled off a long ball by Tolu Arodokare, and then Abdella Ouazane blasted in off the underside of the bar from the tightest of angles to seal the 2-0 result. It was a cruel ending to a contest in which La Dea had shown tempo and intensity worthy of the European stage against a strong opponent.

Late Errors Prove Costly

Speaking to Sky Sport Italia after the final whistle, Sarri was measured in his criticism of his players. ‘We made a mistake and it cost us a goal, but it’s not as if we can blame the lads too much for that,’ he said. ‘The second half we were under pressure, but managed to create numerous chances on the counter, but we failed to make the most of those situations. It was a performance of tempo and intensity, worthy of the European level against a good team.’

The Sarri Atalanta more positive than negative unexpected defeat to Ajax theme was reinforced when the coach added: ‘Going into the last five minutes, the last thing I was thinking about was a defeat, because the situation seemed to be favourable for us. I am sorry for our fans, so many came here to see us.’

For young defender Obric, it was only his second senior appearance, and it came after he also made a costly error on his debut at the weekend in a 3-2 Serie A defeat to Milan. The 18-year-old was thrust into the spotlight due to a growing injury crisis in defence, with Sarri revealing that Atalanta were without four central defenders for the trip to Amsterdam. ‘I also want to note we should not have left Obric alone against an opponent who is taller and stronger, there should’ve been help from his teammates,’ Sarri explained, acknowledging that the youngster was left exposed.

Improvement in Key Areas

Despite the defeat, Sarri believes his side showed signs of progress. ‘We need a result to get out of this, but we mustn’t leave the stadium tonight feeling distraught,’ he insisted. ‘A little angry, maybe frustrated, but not distraught, because it was a strong performance, we showed improvement in some areas, and there are more positives than negatives to take from this game.’

Atalanta were swarming around Ajax on several occasions, but they failed to finish off their moves or truly test Marc-Andre ter Stegen. When it was put to him that at this level you cannot have a three-on-two situation and not even get a shot on target, Sarri agreed: ‘I agree, at this level you cannot have three on two and not even get a shot on target.’ It was a moment of candour that underlined the fine margins between success and failure in European competition.

So far this season, Atalanta have conceded many goals, but they are nowhere near as effective going forward as one would expect either from this club or from a Sarri side. The coach, however, remains optimistic about the future. ‘I believe we can improve defensively too. I never mentioned the absences, but we were without four central defenders tonight, and that is a lot. If there is a responsibility for the defeat today, I would put it less at the feet of the defence, and more at the failure to take the scoring opportunities,’ he concluded.

The Sarri Atalanta more positive than negative unexpected defeat to Ajax storyline may not ease the pain of a loss that leaves Atalanta’s Conference League campaign in need of a response, but it does offer a clear direction for the weeks ahead. The coach’s emphasis on taking chances and providing better support for young players like Obric suggests that the Italian side will continue to work on the training ground rather than dwell on a disappointing night in the Netherlands. For Sarri, the performance, if not the result, was a step in the right direction, and he will be hoping that his players can convert those positives into points when they return to domestic action.