Atalanta concluded the match against Venezia with a result which, although positive, left coach Maurizio Sarri to reflect on some critical aspects. During the press conference at the New Balance Arena, Sarri praised the level of play achieved in the first half, but acknowledged that the team suffered a drop in intensity in the second, especially after Elmas' sending off.
The coach underlined how the team "paid" from a physical and mental point of view, losing the ability to control the midfield and creating opportunities for the opponents. Sarri clarified that Elmas' expulsion was not voluntary, but an involuntary gesture during an attempt to recover the ball. He also commented on the conditions of some players: Bellanova has pain in his buttock, although not serious, while Scalvini is under evaluation due to a flexor problem.
As for tactics, Sarri explained the choice of a 4‑2‑3‑1, but also admitted that he reverted to 4‑3‑3 towards the end of the match. “We tried to find a higher level of danger without losing balance,” he said, highlighting that the module is still being studied. The decision to insert Krstovic in Scamacca's place was motivated by the need for greater defensive depth, with the aim of maintaining a balance between attack and defence.
The coach then spoke about Kessié, calling him a "fantastic" player for his personality and humility. Sarri expressed admiration for Kessié's attitude, underlining the importance of keeping players with such qualities within the team.
Finally, Sarri highlighted the need to improve the ability to dominate the match for longer, especially in moments of substitutions and in the presence of injuries. He also mentioned a session aimed at functionality and the metabolic aspect, to ensure better physical performance. With the match concluded, Atalanta is preparing to look ahead, trying to consolidate their position in the standings and refine their strategy for the next matches.