(PRIMASPORT) BERGAMO – Atalanta returned to winning ways with a 3-1 victory over Venezia after an intense match, marked by a blistering start and a more tense second half than expected. Sarri's team took control of the game early thanks to Kessie's early goal and a brace from Krstović, who deservedly was named player of the match. However, Venezia refused to give up and, after closing the gap, attempted to reopen the game, repeatedly challenging the Nerazzurri's defense. After a goal-filled first half, Atalanta had opportunities to increase their lead but failed to do so, and had to guard against the visitors' determination, which included hitting the posts, wasting chances, and finishing with a man down following Elmas's dismissal. The three points allow Atalanta to move back into the group of teams occupying the lower half of the table, on the eve of their Conference League debut.
THE NEWS
Sarri opted for a 4-2-3-1 formation, deploying De Ketelaere behind Krstovic, with Rowe and Elmas as attacking wingers. In front of Carnesecchi, Scalvini and Kristensen were the central defenders, with Bellanova and Zappacosta on the flanks. The midfield pairing was Kessie and Ederson. Stroppa confirmed the 3-5-2 with the attacking duo of Adams and Yeboah. Four minutes into the game, Atalanta took the lead through Kessie, who, after receiving the ball from Krstovic, chipped the ball past Stankovic. Two minutes later, the second goal arrived on a corner kick taken by Elmas, headed by Krstovic into the top corner. Venezia, reeling from the one-two, lost Correia to injury, who was replaced by Sagrado. In the 19th minute, after the Venice goalkeeper came out to meet Rowe, Kessie fired toward the empty net, but Halhal made the save with a header. On the half-hour mark, Krstovic scored his second goal, retrieving a ball cleared by Stankovic following a Rowe effort and slotting it through the opposition defenders. Just as the game seemed to be finally on the up, Venezia pulled one back in the 36th minute when Hainaut headed in a Sagrado cross, looping it past Zappacosta. In the 40th minute, Zappacosta attempted to make up for his earlier error with a low shot that went wide.
In the second half, Venezia went on the offensive, first with Adams' header, which ricocheted off Kristensen and hit the crossbar, and then Yeboah's left-footed shot hit the post. Sarri made his first substitution after 15 minutes, bringing on Samardzic for De Ketelaere. When play resumed, Adams scored but was found offside. In the 17th minute, Krstovic once again shook the opposition goal with a header that went just wide. Venezia tried again with Yeboah, who ran through, but Carnesecchi blocked his shot. In the 22nd minute, Bernasconi and Kolasinac came on for Bellanova and Scalvini. In the 24th minute, Dea came close to scoring their fourth goal, first with Krstovic's right-footed effort. Three minutes later, Basic's free kick went just wide, with Carnesecchi controlling the ball. In the 31st minute, Sarri made his final two substitutions, replacing Rowe and Kessie with Zalewski and Gaetano. In the 38th minute, Stroppa made a triple substitution, bringing on Helgason, Schingtienne, and Lauberbach for Basic, Moreno, and Adams. Then, in the 42nd minute, Rrahmani replaced Sohm. In the 44th minute, Elmas' performance was marred by a red card. Initially booked, he was sent off after Tremolada checked the monitor, which determined it was a serious foul. Venezia pressed forward, but were unable to find the target.
SCOREBOARD
ATALANTA-VENICE 3-1
ATALANTA (4-2-3-1): Carnesecchi 6.5 Bellanova 6.5 (22' st Bernasconi 6) Kristensen 6.5 Scalvini 6 (22' st Kolasinac 6) Zappacosta 5.5 Kessie 6.5 (31' st Gaetano 6) Ederson 6 Rowe 6 (31' st Zalewski 6) De Ketelaere 6 (15' st Samardzic 6) Elmas 5 Krstovic 7. Subs: Sportiello, Sonzogni, Idele, Pasalic, Raspadori, Scamacca. Coach: Sarri
VENICE (3-5-2): Stankovic 5.5 Halhal 5.5 Juan Jesus 5.5 Moreno 5.5 (38' st Schingtienne sv) Hainaut 6.5 Kike Perez 5.5 Sohm 6 (42' st Rrahmani sv) Basic 6 (38' st Helgason sv) Correia sv (6' st Sagrado 6) Adams 6 (38' st Lauberbach sv) Yeboah 6. Available: Montipò, Haps, Fanne, Mohammed, Dagasso, Berardi, Panada, Lisman, Toni Fernandez, Gomes Furtado. All. Stroppa
Referee: Tremolada, 6 Assistants: Regattieri and Giuggioli, 4th Official: Ayroldi, VAR: Meraviglia, VAR: Piccinini
Scorers: pt 4' Kessie, pt 6', 30' Krstovic, pt 36' Hainaut
Booked: Moreno, Juan Jesus
Expelled: Elmas
Recovery: 1, 4
THE COACHES' VOICES
“"We played a high-quality first half, pressing hard. The only flaw in the first half was that we conceded goals we easily could have avoided. In the second half, we let them dominate. Towards the end, we stopped being clean in finding space to counterattack."” so he drew his conclusions Maurizio Sarri Regarding the performance against Venezia, the coach also acknowledged his players' spirit of sacrifice, particularly after Elmas's dismissal. “If we could extend those 30/35 minutes to 60 minutes, we could be a problem for the opponent.” the manager added. Regarding the expulsion, Sarri underlined that he absolutely didn't do it on purpose, highlighting that “he could have done without rushing in recklessly at 3-1”. Maurizio Sarri decided to play with a 4-2-3-1 formation from the first minute, before returning to a 4-3-3 in the final stages. “"It's an alternative we have, and we're working on it. It was nice to see it in the first 35 minutes. I was worried when the game became completely open, so we reverted to a 4-3-3. Let's see if we have a chance of dominating the game for longer."” he said. Finally, speaking of the individual players, the coach said that Bellanova had a slight soreness in his gluteus, so nothing to worry about, while they are awaiting an evaluation of Scalvini, who reported pain in his flexor. He acknowledged Rowe's continued need for improvement, given that he played well for an hour this evening and then “to be absent”. Finally, praise for Kessie, whom he described as a humble player with a great personality.
If from the first action Stroppa He had the impression that the team had come down with the right approach, the rest of the first half was not up to par. “"We went two goals down on a dead-ball situation. Then, the game was less dominant for Atalanta, as was the second half, but we weren't good at getting back on track. We're paying for our naivety and aren't very good at scoring goals in front of goal."” the coach declared. Despite the results of the last few games, Stroppa sees daily responses from his players: “For me, the team is strong and competitive, and I can't believe there are any unforced errors. This is the picture of these six games we've played. – he underlined –. It seems to me that the team is alive and well and is recovering key players. Mentally, I'm disappointed with the result, but I'm confident this team can respond well in the immediate future."”. A special thanks was also given to the fans who followed the team on this weekday away trip: “Yesterday they came to support us and today, on a working Monday, having so many followers is an extraordinary thing and we went down there to get booed.”. Finally, he discussed his relationship with the club, which was evaluating the situation before the break due to the numerous defeats: “"Whatever the club's decision, I'm pleased with the confidence they've shown me over the past few weeks. I'm moving forward with my head down, confident that the work will pay off. The daily grind gives me strength, and the team gives me the feeling of having worked hard."” Stroppa concluded. (PRIMASPORT)