MISKOLC (Hungary) – “It will be a tough match, as we saw in the first leg, but we need to have a strong belief that we can do it.” Maurizio Sarri knows that Atalanta will have to do better than 100% in the second leg of the Conference League playoffs against Hapoel Tel Aviv, after the 0-0 first leg, to advance, as everyone expects. “We are hungry to play in a European competition. We will face a determined team in great physical condition.” The match will take place on Thursday, August 27th at 8:00 PM at the DVTK Stadion in Miskolc, Hungary. Sarri has brought 22 players with him. Kristensen and Ahanor, who have not recovered from their injuries, are missing from the squad, as well as new signing Elmas, who cannot be selected for this match. De Ketelaere, who played the last half hour of the league match against Sassuolo, is present, but he has trained little, partly due to an adductor problem, and his use will necessarily be limited.
The impression is that Sarri wants to continue to rely on the formation used in the first leg against Hapoel and in the league, insisting on the rotation between Scamacca and Krstovic (“to see them together in particular situations we will need a special team”, Sarri declared to SkySport) and on the rotation between the full-backs, Bellanova and Zappacosta on the right, Bernasconi and Kolasinqc on the left, and in midfield between Pasalic and Samardzic.
Sarri doesn't expect a change in attitude from Hapoel. "They're a team that gathers itself in the final 30-40 meters of the pitch, then counterattacks with quality and energy.".
For Giorgio Scalvini, who joined the coach in the pre-match press conference, the key will be his approach, staying calm and focused, and not letting the need to score dictate his performance. The central defender confirmed that he's becoming increasingly familiar with the automatic movements required by Sarri's game, and as he gradually adapts, his play is also improving, as seen in the first half hour against Sassuolo. Against Hapoel, he'll need to be wary of quick counterattacks.
