Sarri pleased with Atalanta progress, but fury at ‘absurd’ fixture list

Maurizio Sarri sees further Atalanta progress in their 3-1 Conference League win over Pafos , but is frustrated at another injury. ‘Players are subjected to an absurd calendar.’ La Dea had played two Conference League games in the preliminary round back in August, but this was the opening fixture of the tournament proper.

They had the perfect start, taking the lead against Cypriot side in the opening 50 seconds with Eljif Elmas. Giacomo Raspadori then converted a penalty, sustaining an injury in the process, and Gianluca Scamacca completed the first half rout.

There was no clean sheet though, as they were caught napping late on by Biel for the final 3-1 result.