Sarri: "Butterflies in my stomach, I expect a battle"

Maurizio Sarri's official debut on the Atalanta bench is secured, despite the less-than-ideal security measures surrounding the Conference League playoff first leg against Hapoel Tel Aviv. The coach, speaking to La Gazzetta dello Sport, clearly separates the sporting aspects from the extra-sporting context. He states, "As a professional, I must face every challenge trying to win it. If you were to ask me as a private individual, I would tell you what I think." This implies his personal opinion exists but remains off the field.

ENTHUSIASM AND BUTTERFLIES - Sarri on the eve of the match is focused and emotional, confessing an almost adolescent tension: "I have a few butterflies in my stomach too." This isn't posturing, but rather a declaration of his method, as passion is a prerequisite for him: "If there's no enthusiasm, one is better off quitting." He has been struck by the atmosphere in Bergamo: "I found an environment that transmits it. Very united, in all its components, including the public, and with a great sense of belonging." He even finds humor in the situation, playfully shielding his eyes from a spotlight in the press room.

ATTENTION TO HAPOEL TEL AVIV - His respect for the Israeli team is not perfunctory. Hapoel Tel Aviv has already overcome two European rounds, defeating Ludogorets and Katowice, scoring seven goals and conceding four, and winning their first leg in both ties at home. They have already played six official matches, two in the Toto Cup, with the final scheduled for December 1st. Atalanta, on the other hand, is just entering the scene. Sarri acknowledges this: "They must be respected; they have technique and pace in every department and have played more matches than us." He counters this with confidence: "But I also have faith in what I perceive in this environment, with everyone united around the team."

OBJECTIVE: QUALIFICATION - The prize is qualification for the group stage, and the risk is turning next Thursday's return leg, to be played in neutral Hungary, into a late summer trap. Hence, his call for lucidity: "It must be managed over 180 minutes without losing our heads." The coach doesn't hide his expectation of difficulties; in fact, he welcomes them: "We are keen to qualify. We weren't lucky in the draw; I expect a difficult match, a battle." When asked about the team's condition, he answers with a smile and a paradox: "I wish the team wasn't in peak condition, as it would mean we have room for improvement." The key takeaway is that this debut arrives with the team still "breaking in."

A WORK IN PROGRESS - The change in philosophy requires time, and the coach states this plainly: "We have started a journey; we are under construction." This work is further complicated by the international calendar: "We had the additional difficulty of the World Cup, which returned the players to us one by one." However, the assessment is positive, especially on a human level: "There are many positive aspects, like the players' extreme willingness; it's a pleasure to coach them." The team is changing its skin in principles and organization more than in personnel.

MARKET: FULL TRUST IN GIUNTOLI - Regarding reinforcements, the club has acted with targeted frugality, bringing in Gianluca Gaetano for midfield and Thomas Kristensen for defense. These choices reflect the shared conviction among the coach, the Percassi family, and sporting director Cristiano Giuntoli: the existing squad quality is deemed sufficient to support the tactical revolution. The coach closes off any discussion about other potential signings: "It would seem very tactless to talk about players registered for other teams." He delegates entirely: "I don't have time to think about the transfer market; that's what the club and DS Giuntoli are for."

EDERSON AND THE CONTRACT EXTENSION UNTIL 2031 - Alongside the coach at the press conference is Ederson. After a summer where he was closer to Manchester United than Bergamo, the Brazilian finds himself with a long-term contract and increased importance within the project. His first thought is for those who wanted him to stay: "I want to thank the club and especially Luca Percassi for the trust they have placed in me." He then explains his decision: "Atalanta has always been close to me; the great relationship with this club convinced me to stay and extend." Ederson views this continued stay as a mutual investment: "I am very happy; I have an even greater responsibility."

Ninety minutes to set the course for qualification, with the coach's warning firmly in mind: the match lasts twice as long.