Atalanta begin their Conference League campaign on Thursday night, with Pafos arriving in Bergamo for the opening matchday of the league phase. Maurizio Sarri’s side will take the field at the Gewiss Stadium at 21:00, facing a Cypriot team coached by Ricardo Sá Pinto.
For Atalanta, the European start comes as another early-season test of depth and authority. The league phase leaves little room for a slow beginning, and the home fixture offers Sarri’s team the chance to establish its rhythm in front of its own supporters.
Quick facts
- Match: Atalanta v Pafos
- Competition: Conference League, league-phase first round
- Date and time: Thursday 15 October, 21:00
- Venue: Gewiss Stadium, Bergamo
- Atalanta coach: Maurizio Sarri
- Pafos coach: Ricardo Sá Pinto
- TV coverage: Sky Sport Uno, Sky Sport 252 and NOW
- Streaming: Sky Go and NOW
Sarri is expected to use a 4-2-3-1 system, with Marco Carnesecchi in goal. Raoul Bellanova, Kristensen, Sead Kolasinac and Bernasconi are set to form the defensive line, while Mario Pasalic and Ederson could operate in midfield.
Charles De Ketelaere is expected to support Gianluca Scamacca alongside Eljif Elmas and Rowe. Atalanta’s options on the bench include Marco Sportiello, Davide Zappacosta, Lazar Samardzic, Giacomo Raspadori, Nicola Zalewski and Nikola Krstovic.
The hosts will be without Giorgio Scalvini, Odilon Kossounou, Franck Kessie, Isak Hien and Kamaldeen Sulemana. There are no suspensions or players one booking away from a ban listed for Atalanta.
Pafos are also expected to line up in a 4-2-3-1. Majecki should start behind Bruno Felipe, Mmaee, David Luiz and Ioannou, with Pepe Rodrigues and Sunjic in central midfield.
Dragomir, Quina, Biel and Lele are the projected attacking unit for the visitors. Sá Pinto cannot call on Goldar or Ngamaleu, while Pafos have no suspended players and no players listed as cautioned ahead of the match.
The evening will be available live in Italy on Sky Sport Uno and Sky Sport 252, as well as through NOW. Subscribers can also follow the game via Sky Go and the NOW streaming service on compatible mobile and connected devices.
