Elmas sets the tone in a rapid Atalanta start

Atalanta began their Conference League campaign with a 3-1 victory over Pafos, taking the lead after just 50 seconds at the New Balance Arena. Giacomo Raspadori rolled the ball across the area, Gianluca Scamacca let it run cleverly, and Eljif Elmas swept home.

Raspadori threatened again with a curling effort that Radoslaw Majecki tipped around the post. Atalanta doubled their advantage in the 18th minute after Nicola Zalewski was brought down by Bruno Felipe. Raspadori converted the penalty, sending Majecki the wrong way, but soon afterwards had to leave the pitch with a muscular injury.

Scamacca makes it three; Pafos reply late

Charles De Ketelaere replaced Raspadori and later supplied the pass for Atalanta’s third goal. Scamacca collected it and finished from 14 yards to make it 3-0 in the 44th minute. The hosts continued to create chances after the break, with Zalewski and De Ketelaere among those testing the Pafos defence.

Atalanta’s injury concerns deepened before half-time when former Brazil defender David Luiz limped off with a flexor problem. The depleted hosts also gave academy right-back Javison Idele his debut, with Zalewski moving into central defence.

Pafos pulled one back in the 88th minute. Anderson Silva provided the assist for Biel, who drove the ball past Marco Carnesecchi to complete the scoring. The result gave Atalanta a winning start, though the night was tempered by the injuries to Raspadori and David Luiz.

Atalanta 3-1 Pafos

Goals: Elmas (1), Raspadori (penalty, 18), Scamacca (44); Biel (88).