Atalanta 'need time' to adapt under Sarri, with possible debuts for Rowe and Kessie
Quick summary
Atalanta are working to adapt to Maurizio Sarri's tactical system, with new signings Rowe and Kessie potentially available for their first appearances.
Full article
Attributed to original sourceAtalanta director of sport Cristiano Giuntoli admits ‘it will take time’ to adapt with Maurizio Sarri’s tactics, but Franck Kessié and Jonathan Rowe could debut against Roma.
It kicks off at the Stadio Olimpico at 19.45 UK time (20.45 CEST).
You can follow all the build-up and action as it happens from today’s three Serie A games on the Liveblog.
La Dea scraped late victories against Sassuolo and Bologna, as well as securing their place in the Conference League by beating Hapoel Tel-Aviv in the play-offs.
Giuntoli has Atalanta ambition Jonathan Rowe signs the Atalanta contract alongside director Cristiano Giuntoli, completing his move from Bologna (atalanta.it) “I hope it will be a great game and an advertisement for football. These are teams with completely different tactical concepts, but both aiming for success, so we’ll see what happens,” Giuntoli told Sky Sport Italia.
Kamaldeen Sulemana and Isak Hien are still on the treatment table, but the squad has been bolstered on deadline day by Rowe from Bologna at €40m plus add-ons, and the return to Bergamo of free agent Kessié.
Franck Kessie signs the contract alongside Atalanta directors Cristiano Giuntoli and Luca Percassi (atalanta.it) “Franck made the choice with his heart, the rapport with Luca Percassi was decisive, and he embraced our project. We think Rowe can give us the quality in the final third that we are looking for.”
Atalanta had spent nine years under current Roma coach Gian Piero Gasperini, but decided to go in a very different direction with Sarri this time.
BERGAMO, ITALY – AUGUST 31: Maurizio Sarri, Head Coach of Atalanta reacts during the Serie A match between Atalanta BC and Bologna FC at Stadio Atleti Azzurri d’Italia on August 31, 2026 in Bergamo, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images) “We believe it takes time, because we are changing from man-marking to zonal, so that is a completely different way of looking at football. The lads need to adapt, it will take a while, but we are confident that we can do well.
“We trust that we did some good things on the transfer market, and we’ll have to show it on the field,” concluded Giuntoli.
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What happened
Atalanta are in a transitional phase as they implement Maurizio Sarri's tactical philosophy, with the coach acknowledging the squad needs time to fully adapt. Summer additions Rowe and Kessie could be in line for their first appearances as Atalanta look to integrate new faces into Sarri's system. The adaptation period highlights the challenge of blending fresh signings with a new coaching approach at a club that has historically thrived under different tactical setups.
Chance analysis
Atalanta's stylistic identity has been one of the most distinctive in European football, built on aggressive pressing and positional rotations. Sarri's arrival marks a philosophical shift toward possession-based, structured build-up play, and the early-phase comments about needing time suggest a squad still learning the new patterns. The potential introduction of Rowe and Kessie adds intrigue, as their integration could accelerate or complicate the tactical transition depending on how quickly they absorb Sarri's demands.
Atalanta's short-term performance may be inconsistent as players adapt to Sarri's system and new signings are integrated into the starting XI.