Atalanta are preparing to play their UEFA Conference League match against Pafos, with coach Maurizio Sarri confirming that, despite a very tight schedule, the team is ready for tomorrow's match. The press conference was held at the Bortolotti Center in Zingonia, where Sarri illustrated the recovery strategy after the recent three matches in six days, underlining the importance of putting the players' physical fitness back into balance.
During the session, Sarri explained that the preparation for today's match was mainly focused on exhaust work, as modern football requires rapid adaptation when playing with high frequency. He also expressed concern about the athletic condition of the team, indicating that it is necessary to understand whether the difficulties encountered are of a physical nature or more related to managing pressure. Sarri cited the use of artificial intelligence analytics to evaluate performances, saying that the data showed a level of efficiency comparable to that of top European teams, but that the team had problems restarting and managing the center of gravity.
Regarding the match against Pafos, Sarri warned that it will be a difficult challenge. He recalled that in Italy the small-medium teams have improved considerably, and that in Europe teams from lesser-known countries can represent a real threat. Pafos, according to Sarri, is a solid team that came close to reaching the round of 16 thanks to high-level technical work and Brazilian and Portuguese players with excellent dribbling skills. Sarri insisted on the importance of humility and respect for the opponent, as goal difference should not be seen as an advantage, but as a sign of balance between the teams.
Sarri also spoke about tactical decisions relating to players, mentioning that the evaluation of early match decisions is still ongoing and that several players could be considered for the match. He cited the role of De Keteleaere, who had a more central role in the national team, and decided to try the player in that position to make the most of his qualities. Furthermore, he highlighted Carnesecchi's personality and potential, defining him as a player with great personality and potential to make a difference on the pitch.
With the conference ending at 2.55pm, Sarri left open the prospect of a challenging match against Pafos, inviting the fans to support the team with humility and respect. Atalanta prepares to leave tomorrow with the hope of consolidating their position in the group stage of the UEFA Conference League, while the team continues to work on physical recovery and defining tactics to face future challenges.