BERGAMO, ITALY – OCTOBER 15: Head Coach Maurizio Sarri applauds supporters after Atalanta’s 2026/27 Conference League opening match versus Pafos at Stadio di Bergamo. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)
Director Cristiano Giuntoli admits the club is still hunting for a distinct identity under Sarri, and more tweaks await the Milan trip.
The clash kicks off at San Siro at 17:00 GMT (18:00 CEST).
Catch every moment of this showdown, plus Fiorentina‑Como and Juventus‑Lazio, on our Liveblog.
The injury list stays long: Giacomo Raspadori limped out with a muscle strain on Thursday, joining Franck Kessié, Giorgio Scalvini, Odilon Kossounou, Isak Hien and Kamaldeen Sulemana on the treatment table.
Eljif Elmas also sits out after receiving a red card against Venezia.
Giuntoli remains patient with Atalanta’s evolution. Will the squad’s depth carry them through the congested season ahead?
We have a deep squad brimming with talent, so we remain a competitive side, Giuntoli told Sky Sport Italia.
Unfortunately many knocks hit the same area – the back line. After two solid wins we’re chasing consistency in both play and results.
Atalanta’s campaign began shakily, perhaps inevitable given Sarri’s philosophy diverges sharply from his Bergamo predecessors. For my money, Sarri’s bold tactics could finally unlock Atalanta’s potential.
He appears to have uncovered their shape in recent games, beating both Venezia and Conference League side Pafos 3‑1.
We aim for a clear identity; the coach brings experience and has tested formations like 4‑3‑4 and 4‑2‑3‑1, but the players’ attitude is what truly matters, Giuntoli added.
The result can hinge on many factors, yet that mindset must stay steady.
Lazar Samardzic told Sky Sport Italia they’ve started to play the football Sarri envisions, though expectations are tempered by the timing of such a radical shift.
It’s undeniably a year to discover our identity, Giuntoli observed.
Call it a fresh start, Year Zero, a season of adaptation – we began with Conference League play‑offs in August, endured a jam‑packed calendar and had little training time.
We’re riding two wins after earlier setbacks, and it’s still a process.