Atalanta return from the international break with their defensive resources stretched, but Thomas Kristensen’s missed Denmark call-up may offer Maurizio Sarri a timely solution. The 198cm centre-back has remained at Zingonia to work closely with the coach ahead of a demanding week that begins against Venezia and continues with Pafos and Milan.
Injuries to Isak Hien and Odilon Kossounou have reduced Sarri’s options in the middle of a four-man back line. Kristensen and Giorgio Scalvini are currently the two available specialist central defenders, placing the Danish player in line for a sustained run of matches after an interrupted opening to his Atalanta career.
A chance to settle into Sarri’s plans
Kristensen’s time in Bergamo has been shaped by an ankle problem that prevented him from building momentum. He was absent from 20 August until 20 September after suffering a sprain, a setback that also ended his hopes of receiving a first senior Denmark selection.
The defender had previously made 18 appearances for Denmark’s Under-21 side. His exclusion from the latest senior squad was initially a disappointment, but it has allowed him to stay with Atalanta and absorb Sarri’s instructions more fully during the break.
He is familiar with a four-defender system from international football, though it represents a change from his club experience at Udinese, where a three-man defence was the usual framework. Atalanta’s ownership, sporting director Cristiano Giuntoli and Sarri all believe he has the attributes to develop in the new role.
Sarri has said simply that Kristensen “has quality”. Giuntoli has also underlined the club’s long-term belief in the player, describing him as a very young signing capable of doing very well and insisting that Sarri can put him in the best conditions to operate in a back four.
Juventus display offered encouragement
There were positive signs in Kristensen’s most recent league outing, away to Juventus in Turin. In what was effectively his return to action, he dealt well with Juventus’ pressure and came close to scoring, only for his header to be cleared from the goal line.
His first appearance had come on 20 August, shortly after arriving at the club, when he entered the match against Hapoel Tel Aviv to replace Scalvini following an early challenge. Kristensen performed his task that evening, but he soon encountered the same injury issue that had affected his team-mate.
Now, with October approaching and Atalanta facing three games in seven days, the opportunity is clear. Kristensen has the chance to turn a difficult first month into a more regular place in Sarri’s side, at a moment when the season is beginning to demand answers from every part of the squad.
