Atalanta vs Hapoel Tel Aviv: Sarri Prepares for Tough Conference League Clash
Maurizio Sarri is braced for “a difficult match” as Atalanta try to finish the job against Hapoel Tel Aviv in their Conference League play-off on Thursday, with everything still on a knife edge after a goalless first leg at the New Balance Arena.
The coach, speaking to Sky Sport Italia via TuttoMercatoWeb, made it clear the second leg in Hungary will demand conviction without arrogance from his side.
“We saw in the first leg it’ll be a difficult match, but we have to be convinced we can do it,” Sarri said. “Clearly without becoming presumptuous. We want to play in a European competition. It’ll be tough against a team in great physical condition.”
De Ketelaere back, but only in doses
Sarri’s options are growing, but not without caveats. Charles De Ketelaere is available again after a small adductor problem, yet nowhere near peak condition.
“He’s trained very little after the small adductor problem,” Sarri admitted. “He did half an hour in the league, his usage will have to be partial. I don’t know whether to start him or bring him on, also because we don’t know how long the match will last.”
Scamacca or Krstovic? Sarri still weighing up
The centre-forward spot remains an open question, with Gianluca Scamacca and Nikola Krstovic locked in what looks like a season-long duel.
“I haven’t decided yet,” Sarri said of his No. 9. “They’re doing well and both seem to be improving. Over the season they’ll alternate based on who is in better shape, then we’ll also play them together.”
The possibility of pairing them hints at a more aggressive Atalanta if the tie drags or the scoreline demands it.
Respect for Hapoel’s threat
Hapoel Tel Aviv have already proved they belong at this level, knocking out Ludogorets and GKS Katowice to reach the play-off. Sarri does not expect them to suddenly change character now.
“They gather well and then break well,” he said. “I don’t think they’ll change their attitude much, we’ll see.”
The second leg will not be played in Israel but at a neutral venue in Hungary, a twist that strips away some of the usual home advantage but does nothing to ease the tactical puzzle.
Sarri’s defence still learning his code
If Atalanta are to avoid a damaging early exit from Europe, Sarri knows his back line must grow quickly into his demanding defensive structure. On that front, he did not sugarcoat the situation.
“It’s still lacking, there’s no point saying otherwise today,” he said. “The most difficult moment will be when they think they know how to do certain things and instead they still aren’t able to.”
Belief without complacency. A misfiring attack to calibrate. A defence still wrestling with the details. Sarri walks into Hungary knowing this is exactly the kind of night that defines a European season.
