Atalanta coach Maurizio Sarri has highlighted the preparation gap with AS Roma ahead of their Serie A clash. The manager pointed out how the Giallorossi have a months-long advantage in consolidated work compared to his team. He made the comments in a press conference, as reported by ANSA Sport.
Roma, currently top of the table with 6 points and two wins from two, face an Atalanta side that has already played four official matches. The Bergamo team has scored 8 goals without conceding any, boasting a +8 goal difference. Roma's next fixture is against Torino away on September 14.
What is the gap between Roma and Atalanta?
Maurizio Sarri clearly explained the difference in development between the two teams. "It's a match between a team that already has 13-14 months of work behind them and one like ours with 45 days," said the Atalanta coach. Roma indeed began its cycle with Gian Piero Gasperini last season, accumulating over a year of work with the same manager and project. In contrast, Sarri arrived in Bergamo only this summer, starting a new course after Gasperini's long tenure at the helm of the Nerazzurri.
Sarri expressed high esteem for his predecessor, acknowledging the work done at Roma. He added, however, that he hadn't felt the weight of his legacy at Atalanta, despite Gasperini's decade-long influence on the club. The coach highlighted how "another project and another type of football" had been adopted in Bergamo, marking a clear break with the past.
How is Atalanta preparing for the challenge?
The recently closed summer transfer market brought relief to Sarri. "Working fifty days with the market always open is not easy for anyone," admitted the manager. He said he was satisfied with the outcome of operations, though recognizing it's too early for a complete evaluation. Among the new arrivals, Kessié and Kristensen are in their third training session with the team, while Rowe trained normally today.
Sarri also commented on the opponent's attacking department, acknowledging its danger. "If there were a sure way to stop them, strong players wouldn't exist. Malen is in a state of grace," he stated, describing the attacker as "an animal that is poisonous in link-up, in the box, and in depth." He reminded everyone that Atalanta also has "many excellent-level solutions" to face the challenge.
What is Roma's situation in the league?
Gasperini's Roma arrives at this appointment in optimal condition. Leading Serie A with a perfect record, the Giallorossi have demonstrated impressive defensive solidity in the first two matchdays. The squad was further strengthened during the summer market, despite already being considered among the most competitive in the league.
Sarri acknowledged this potential, calling the encounter "important and difficult" for his Atalanta. The growth of the Bergamo team has been somewhat slowed by a demanding schedule that has seen them already involved in four official matches. Fans can follow the evolution of the standings on our standings page and check the full schedule of upcoming matches in the fixtures.
What to expect from the match?
Sarri reiterated that there isn't a single way to win matches. "All types of coaches win, regardless of tactical style," he observed. According to the manager, there isn't "one single thing that makes you win, only doing things well." This pragmatic approach will characterize his preparation for the clash against Roma.
The closure of the transfer market will now allow Sarri to work with the definitive group, focusing exclusively on technical and tactical aspects. Roma, for its part, can count on a well-oiled team and a long-term project. Details on lineups and player statistics are available in the squad section of our site. The match against Torino on September 14 will be the next official commitment for the Giallorossi.
