Atalanta returns to Europe for the first match of the Conference League championship phase, when they host Cypriot Pafos in the New Balance Arena in Bergamo on Thursday evening at 9pm. The match represents the beginning of the "Road to Istanbul" journey for the Nerazzurri, who aim to reach the final at Besiktas Stadium. Coach Maurizio Sarri underlined the importance of not underestimating opponents, recalling that the average level of European football has increased and that evaluating a club only by its name would be superficial.
Atalanta is currently in tenth place in Serie A, with nine points from six games (three wins and three defeats). The recent 3-1 win against Venezia ended a run of three consecutive defeats against Roma, Cagliari and Juventus, but the defense continues to show fragility, having conceded seven goals in the last five league games. In the Champions League, the team beat Hapoel Tel Aviv in the playoffs with a 1-0 aggregate, thanks to Scamacca's goal in Miskolc after a 0-0 draw in the first leg.
For the Bergamo match Sarri will have to deal with several absences: Pompei, Kossounou and Sulemana are out due to injury; Scalvini is stopped by a flexor muscle problem, as is Kessie. The defense will probably be made up of Carnesecchi, Kolasinac, Kristensen, Zappacosta and Bernasconi. In midfield, Pasalic and Ederson will have to lead the team, while in attack Scamacca will be the only reference, supported by Elmas, De Ketelaere and Rowe. On the bench, Raspadori and Nikola Krstović are ready to intervene.
Pafos arrives in Bergamo in excellent form, occupying fourth place in the Cypriot championship with ten points from five games (three wins, one draw and one defeat). The club, who won the Cypriot championship in 2025, have stood out for their defensive solidity, conceding just three goals in their last five matches in all competitions. The Cypriots' European journey began with their elimination at the hands of Salzburg in the Europa League, but they then reached the championship phase of the Conference League by overcoming Dinamo City in the playoff with a 5-3 aggregate (1-1 in the first leg and 4-2 in the return).
Portuguese coach Ricardo Sá Pinto, with a full squad and without injuries or suspensions, should field a 4-2-3-1. The goal will be entrusted to Majecki, with a four-man defense made up of Bruno, Mmaee, David Luiz and Ioannou. In midfield, the Pepe-Sunjic pair will be at the center of defense, while the attack will be led by Lelê, supported by Quina, Dragomir and Biel. A positive performance for Pafos in Italy would represent a historic achievement for the Cypriot club.
With attention paid to both the Conference League championship phase and Serie A, Atalanta will look to consolidate their position in the league and demonstrate that they are a serious opponent at European level too. The result of this match will be crucial in defining the direction of the team on the “Road to Istanbul” and in determining whether Sarri will be able to bring the Dea back to the level of competition it aspires to.