Atalanta’s Sarri Faces Injury Crisis Ahead of Ajax Clash, Turns to Youth in Conference League

Atalanta head coach Maurizio Sarri has confirmed his side will be without eight first-team players for Thursday night’s UEFA Conference League group-stage fixture against Ajax in Amsterdam. Speaking to Sky Sport Italia before the match, Sarri described the situation as a significant test of depth and technical quality, particularly against a technically gifted Ajax side.

The Italian tactician acknowledged the challenge of facing Ajax in their own stadium, calling it a “big-match environment” that demands a high level of performance. Sarri pointed to a lack of consistency as his team’s main weakness, noting that while they have produced “30-40 minutes of excellent quality” in recent games, they have struggled to maintain that level across full matches.

Injury crisis forces defensive reshuffle

The most severe damage is in Atalanta’s backline. Four central defenders are unavailable: Hien, Kossounou, Scalvini, and Kolasinac. This leaves Sarri with few natural options at the heart of defence. In midfield, the absence of Kessié due to a muscular issue—described as a mild strain in his right calf—further limits the team’s physical presence in the middle of the park. Up front, attackers Raspadori and Sulemana are also out, trimming Sarri’s attacking options.

To fill the gaps, Sarri is expected to start Danish defender Kristensen alongside young Obric, a centre-back born in 2004 who will be making a rare start in European competition. It is a significant step up for the teenager, who will face an Ajax side eager to bounce back from an opening defeat in the group stage.

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Attack offers some relief

Despite the defensive crisis, Sarri has more options in attack. Gianluca Scamacca is pushing for a starting place, with Charles De Ketelaere likely to operate just behind the striker in a trequartista role. Wide players such as Elmas, Rowe, and Zalewski provide pace and creativity to supply the forwards. This attacking depth may be Atalanta’s best route to a result against Ajax.

Ajax coach Michel demands response

Ajax head coach Michel acknowledged his team’s need to improve after losing their opening group match. “We must completely change the image of the team that lost the first match despite always attacking collectively,” he said in his pre-match press conference. “Our high press was fatal. We will try to qualify among the top eight, and a home game is very important for us.”

Michel’s side are under pressure to secure points early in the group stage, and facing an injury-hit Atalanta presents a clear opportunity. Ajax’s technical quality and home advantage make them favourites, but Sarri’s experience in European competition means Atalanta cannot be written off.

What this means for Atalanta’s season

For Atalanta, this match is more than just a group-stage fixture. It is a test of squad depth and resilience. With so many regulars sidelined, Sarri must rely on younger, less experienced players in high-stakes European football. How they perform could shape the team’s confidence and tactical flexibility for the weeks ahead.

The match also has implications for the Conference League group standings. A win in Amsterdam would put Atalanta in a strong position to qualify for the knockout rounds, while a loss would leave them chasing from behind. Sarri’s ability to adapt his tactics to the available personnel will be closely watched.

Source: TuttoMercatoWeb – https://www.tuttomercatoweb.com/i-fatti-del-giorno/sarri-giocatori-affida-giovani-ci-manca-continuita-servira-tecnica-2285837