Milan, 20 Aug. (LaPresse) – Atalanta could only manage a 0–0 draw at home against the Israeli side Hapoel Tel Aviv in the first leg of the Conference League group stage play-offs. For Maurizio Sarri, his debut on the Dea bench did not go as hoped; the team still appeared sluggish physically and were struggling to find the fluidity required by the change in playing style compared to the past. It was only in the closing stages that the Nerazzurri had their best chances to score, but they failed to find the winning touch. The feeling is that Sarri will need more time to see the brand of football he favours take shape. Without De Ketelaere up front – who is still short of match fitness following the World Cup – Atalanta struggled in the first half against the Israeli side’s superior fitness. It was Hapoel who had the clearest chance, with Boateng on the counter-attack only denied by a miraculous save from Carnesecchi. Atalanta struggled to penetrate the opposition’s box, but still managed to create two big chances through Scamacca and Raspadori, both of whom were denied by the visitors’ goalkeeper Tzur. In the second half, Sarri’s side continued to press and even protested over a suspicious challenge in the Israeli box involving Scamacca and a defender, but the referee waved play on. Hapoel remained a constant threat on the counter-attack, first through Kraev and then again via Boateng, whilst for Atalanta, the newly introduced Krstovic tried his luck from outside the box but to no avail. The Balkan striker tried again in the closing stages, first with a low shot on the turn from the centre of the box – which went just wide – and then with a header that was saved by the goalkeeper’s diving save. The second leg will be played on 27 August at a neutral venue in Hungary; before that, Atalanta are set to make their league debut on Sunday against Sassuolo.
Conference League, Atalanta v Hapoel 0-0: Sarri had to settle for a draw on his debut
Milan, 20 Aug. (LaPresse) – Atalanta could only manage a 0–0 draw at home against the Israeli side Hapoel Tel Aviv in the first leg of the Conference League group stage play-offs. For Maurizio Sarri, his debut on the Dea bench did not go as hoped; the team still appeared sluggish physically and were struggling to find the fluidity required by the change in playing style compared to the past. It was only in the closing stages that the Nerazzurri had their best chances to score, but they failed to find the winning touch. The feeling is that Sarri will need more time to see the brand of football he favours take shape. Without De Ketelaere up front – who is still short of match fitness following the World Cup – Atalanta struggled in the first half against the Israeli side’s superior fitness. It was Hapoel who had the clearest chance, with Boateng on the counter-attack only denied by a miraculous save from Carnesecchi. Atalanta struggled to penetrate the opposition’s box, but still managed to create two big chances through Scamacca and Raspadori, both of whom were denied by the visitors’ goalkeeper Tzur. In the second half, Sarri’s side continued to press and even protested over a suspicious challenge in the Israeli box involving Scamacca and a defender, but the referee waved play on. Hapoel remained a constant threat on the counter-attack, first through Kraev and then again via Boateng, whilst for Atalanta, the newly introduced Krstovic tried his luck from outside the box but to no avail. The Balkan striker tried again in the closing stages, first with a low shot on the turn from the centre of the box – which went just wide – and then with a header that was saved by the goalkeeper’s diving save. The second leg will be played on 27 August at a neutral venue in Hungary; before that, Atalanta are set to make their league debut on Sunday against Sassuolo.