Sarri: Atalanta Improving, But Lacks Fighting Spirit

Maurizio Sarri acknowledges Atalanta's performances are improving, despite a third consecutive loss to Juventus. However, he stressed the team "needs to light a fire in its soul."

La Dea had chances to equalize after Francisco Conceicao's opening goal. A goal-line clearance by Randal Kolo Muani prevented an equalizer, but Gleison Bremer secured the 2-0 win for Juventus with a header from a corner.

This marked Atalanta's third straight Serie A defeat as they continue to adapt to Sarri's tactical approach.

Sarri's Mixed Assessment of Atalanta

"We were in the game until the second goal, then we lost our unity and shape," Sarri told Sky Sport Italia. "It was a balanced match for 65 minutes. I believe my team is progressing technically and tactically, but we still fall short in courage, enthusiasm, and taking the initiative."

When asked if this slump constituted a crisis, Sarri replied, "I don't think so. The first three games were at a lower performance level, but we've improved over the last three. This team needs more character, to ignite that inner fire. It possesses certain capabilities that it needs to access."

Igniting Atalanta's Passion

"We've alternated between two tactical systems, but I'm pushing them for more initiative and character. We might still lose, but we have to try. Building from the back more quickly would create more one-on-one situations. My main regret is not seeing improvement in character."

Defensive Lapses and VAR

Discussing the defensive error that led to the first goal, Sarri explained, "Our winger allowed a run behind him, leaving a center-back out of position to cover the by-line. The positioning was incorrect. The ball shouldn't have gotten through. I worry that if we keep framing this as a construction year, the team might use it as an excuse for lapses in concentration."

Regarding a disallowed penalty appeal for a shirt tug on Jonathan Rowe, Sarri stated, "Honestly, I prefer this version with minimal VAR interventions. However, for clear situations like the tug on Rowe by Kalulu, if VAR doesn't step in, we might as well abolish it."