Sarri sees progress in Conference League opener

Maurizio Sarri saw further signs of Atalanta's development in a 3-1 Conference League win over Pafos, but was frustrated by yet another injury and the demanding fixture schedule facing his squad.

La Dea had already played two Conference League games in the preliminary round back in August, but this was their first match in the competition proper. They made the perfect start, taking the lead inside the opening 50 seconds through Eljif Elmas. Giacomo Raspadori then converted a penalty, before picking up an injury, and Gianluca Scamacca completed a first-half rout.

There was no clean sheet, however, as Atalanta were caught napping late on by Biel, who scored to set the final score at 3-1.

'We made better choices'

Sarri was pleased with the way his side managed the game. "We started well, and unlike the game with Venezia where we had lots of chances and got disorganised, this evening we made better choices on when to be direct, when to keep possession, and allowed practically nothing until that late goal," Sarri told Sky Sport Italia.

He also warned against complacency against lower-profile opposition. "There is the strong risk in these matches that the difference in quality between the squads doesn't show, as Pafos lost 3-2 to Fiorentina last year and only narrowly lost to Juventus too. It is not to be taken for granted, so my side played well tonight."

The win was Atalanta's second of the week, following a 3-1 victory over Venezia on Monday evening that ended their run of three consecutive Serie A defeats. Both games saw Sarri switch from his traditional 4-3-3 to a 4-2-3-1. "We have found a way to be more dangerous in attack, now we need to seek greater balance and solidity too."

Raspadori injury adds to absentee list

Raspadori has reportedly suffered a relapse of the flexor issue he first sustained on international duty in September. He joins a long list of absentees that includes Giorgio Scalvini, Franck Kessie, Kamaldeen Sulemana, Isak Hien, Odilon Kossounou and Raoul Bellanova.

Sarri criticises fixture calendar

Sarri was scathing about the schedule. "There are too many muscular injuries for many players, not just with Atalanta. We ought to complain to UEFA and FIFA, because the players are subjected to an absurd calendar, it's only logical that they will pay the consequences."

"Unfortunately, these are the risks, especially when players return from international duty. Scalvini got hurt on his return from international duty, this is the fixture list, I am frankly amazed the Players' Association doesn't stand up and protest."

Adapting to a new identity

Sarri's arrival has marked a stark change in style for the club, which had been shaped by predecessors Gian Piero Gasperini and Raffaele Palladino. It was always going to be a long process of adaptation.

"The club is a model for anyone, I had never encountered a situation like this. Naturally, it came from many years with a completely different style of football, but the players are working hard. I hope they have significant margin for improvement.

"I honestly don't know what we can achieve in the first year, but we have set a target for the medium-long term."