Maurizio Sarri is beginning to implement his distinct tactical approach at Atalanta, with early signs indicating a shift from a three-man defense to a more traditional four-man backline. The club is reportedly patient with the process, understanding it will take time to fully absorb Sarri’s principles ahead of the Conference League playoff match on August 20th.
The first friendly match against the Under 23 squad provided insights into Sarri’s plans. Giorgio Scalvini, previously given license to roam forward from a three-man defense, is now being utilized as a more central, anchored defender when his team has possession. Davide Zappacosta, meanwhile, appears to be embracing a more disciplined role as a traditional right-back, prioritizing defensive stability and timed runs forward.
Atalanta’s sole summer signing to date, Gianluca Gaetano, has been tasked with the role of regista – the deep-lying playmaker central to Sarri’s tactical system. He has been actively involved in dictating play with both horizontal and vertical passing, demonstrating an understanding of the positional play Sarri demands. The speed of his distribution will be crucial to the success of Sarri’s system, reminiscent of the “Sarriball” seen at Chelsea and “Sarrismo” at Napoli.
Lazar Samardzic and Nicola Zalewski are being trialed in the mezzala roles – positions that require a blend of creativity and work rate. Samardzic has shown qualities of a secondary playmaker, while Zalewski is attempting to exploit space with his pace. Forwards Gianluca Scamacca and Nikola Krstovic are still adapting to their roles, focusing on occupying space and providing a focal point in attack.
The club anticipates the return of several players who participated in the World Cup, including Marten de Roon, Sead Kolasinac, Odilon Kossounou, and Mario Pasalic, between the middle and end of this week. Their reintegration will further bolster Sarri’s squad as he continues to refine his tactical setup. This tactical shift signals a clear intention from Atalanta to embrace a more structured and possession-based style of play under Sarri’s guidance.
