Sarri thrilled with Atalanta ahead of Milan clash
Maurizio Sarri is impressed with the progress he has seen from Atalanta in recent games, and he hopes to carry that on against AC Milan in Serie A on Monday (AEDT).
After a run of three straight losses in the Italian top flight, Atalanta halted its slump with a 3-1 win over Venezia last weekend, but remains in mid-table.
It followed that up with a 3-1 win over Pafos in the UEFA Conference League in midweek, a victory built on Eljif Elmas’ first-minute goal.
Atalanta is now chasing back-to-back league wins for the second time this season, having won its first two matches of the campaign, and Sarri is confident in his side's ability.
"We started well [against Pafos], and unlike the game with Venezia where we had lots of chances and got disorganised, we made better choices on when to be direct, when to keep possession, and allowed practically nothing until that late goal," he said.
"We have found a way to be more dangerous in attack; now we need to seek greater balance and solidity too.
"The club is a model for anyone; I had never encountered a situation like this.
"Naturally, it came from many years with a completely different style of football, but the players are working hard. I hope they have a significant margin for improvement.
"I honestly don't know what we can achieve in the first year, but we have set a target for the medium-to-long term."
Atalnata faces a Milan side that remains unbeaten in Serie A so far in 2026-2027, winning three and drawing three of its matches to earn 12 points.
The Rossoneri were pegged back in a 1-1 draw with Sassuolo last time out in the league, but like Atalanta, they come into this match on the back of a European win after beating Salzburg 4-0 last time out.
