Sarri warns Atalanta to stay humble against Pafos and admits leaving Chelsea 'perhaps was an error'

Sarri demands humility from Atalanta ahead of Conference League opener

Maurizio Sarri has warned Atalanta to stay grounded as they open their Conference League campaign against Pafos at the New Balance Arena, kick-off 20.00 UK time (21.00 CEST). The Bergamo side ended a run of three straight Serie A defeats with a 3-1 win over Venezia on Monday, although Eljif Elmas was sent off late in that match.

The turnaround in form left little time for preparation. "We had to get it done quickly, we only managed 35 minutes in training this morning," Sarri told Sky Sport Italia.

Pafos dropped down from the Europa League preliminary rounds, where they were eliminated by RB Salzburg, and Sarri said his side should not underestimate them. "I expect opponents with great technical ability and we will try to cause them problems. The main issue is to remain humble, because humility is perhaps the most important element in modern football, because any team can cause you issues."

Defensive injury problems

Atalanta are missing several players for the trip. Giorgio Scalvini, Franck Kessie, Kamaldeen Sulemana, Isak Hien, Odilon Kossounou and Raoul Bellanova are all unavailable, leaving the defensive options limited. "This evening we'll start with these four at the back, then we'll evaluate for the future, but it is important to focus on tonight's game."

Reunion with David Luiz

The match also reunites Sarri with David Luiz, who is now at Pafos after working under Sarri at Chelsea, where the pair won the Europa League. "I will say what David Luiz already knows, which is that I remember him with great affection and as a great player too," Sarri said. "Aside from his talent as a player, I will always remember him as a lovely person."

David Luiz had said he was upset when Sarri left Chelsea after just one season to return to Italy with Juventus. Asked whether he regrets that decision, Sarri reflected: "We did win the Scudetto in Turin, but perhaps leaving the Premier League was an error."