Atalanta vs. Sassuolo: Krstović Decides, La Dea Gets Back on Track

A vital three points and some important answers were delivered as Atalanta opened their Serie A campaign with a 2-1 victory over Sassuolo at the New Balance Arena, regaining momentum after a European setback against Hapoel Tel Aviv. It was a hard-won triumph against a technically inferior opponent, albeit one weakened by defensive absences. Despite this, Sassuolo fielded a disciplined team that was physically and mentally solid, demonstrating good athletic condition.

A PACT WITH THE FANS - The key to the evening was displayed in the Curva Morosini, in the form of a banner: "Ga öl tep: in case of error, we'll support them." The crowd of twenty thousand heeded the message and were rewarded by a performance from a team that wasn't drastically altered, but intelligently tweaked by Maurizio Sarri compared to three days prior. The project continues, and corrections are permitted.

THE COACH'S CHOICES - Nine players from the starting eleven were confirmed from the match against the Israelis. The three close calls were resolved in favor of Davide Zappacosta over Bellanova, Mario Pašalić over Samardžić, and Gianluca Scamacca over Krstović. In defense, Giorgio Scalvini won the derby of the injured against Kristensen, who wasn't even on the bench. However, Eljif Elmas, a new Nerazzurri signing for just over twenty-four hours, immediately took his place.

LIVELY START - The lead came in the 6th minute: Nicola Zalewski set up Zappacosta, who crossed from the byline. A confused clearance from the Emilia defense was intercepted by Gianluca Gaetano, who played a through ball to Giacomo Raspadori. Raspadori unleashed a left-footed shot that rocketed under the crossbar.

In the following minutes, the Bergamaschi came close to doubling their lead through Raspadori, whose effort was blocked by a desperate recovery from Odenthal, and then Zappacosta, who after a delightful backheel from Zalewski, raced down the flank and struck the crossbar.

CARNESECCHI SAVES THE DAY - Atalanta then slowed the tempo and attempted to manage the game, but the visitors wouldn't allow it and pushed back dangerously. Around the half-hour mark, Marco Carnesecchi became the star with three crucial saves, the most significant being against Adzic, who was through on goal after a pass from Laurienté. At halftime, possession favored the hosts (53%-47%), but Sassuolo led in shots: 12-6 in total attempts, with 4-3 on target – as reported by L'Eco di Bergamo – statistics that would rise to 22-14 and 8-6 respectively by the end of the match.

ODENTHAL'S EQUALIZER - In the second half, the high tempo continued, and the equalizer arrived in the 10th minute: from a Doig throw-in, Odilon Kossounou's header deflected perfectly to Cas Odenthal, who was unmarked in the box and headed home calmly. The Nerazzurri wobbled, and the visitors pressed with Laurienté and Matić.

THE MONTENEGRIN'S STRIKE - However, at their lowest point, the Bergamaschi struck: a long clearance from Carnesecchi, a backward header from Macchioni, and Nikola Krstović, who had only been on the pitch for a few minutes, capitalized. Sassuolo pushed forward with a 4-2-4 formation but couldn't find a way through, even though Atalanta dropped too deep and risked conceding late on from the runs of Odenthal, stopped by Kossounou, and Cinquegrano.

THE LIMITATION TO CORRECT - The answers the coach was looking for came primarily from players already in the squad, whether starters or substitutes. However, an issue that emerged in pre-season friendlies was confirmed: this team already demonstrates excellent ability with the ball at their feet, but struggles when possession belongs to the opposition.

THINKING OF THURSDAY - At the end of the match, thoughts immediately turned to the playoff return leg against Hapoel: a do-or-die encounter that will be played in completely different tactical and environmental conditions. But these signs of a cohesive team are a good omen.