Atalanta's Strong Start: Wins Over Sassuolo and Bologna

Atalanta hit the ground running at the Gewiss Stadium, turning their home into an early-season fortress with back-to-back league wins over Sassuolo and Bologna.

The first statement came against Sassuolo, sharp and controlled. The second, against Bologna, was pure drama. Pushed to the brink by the Rossoblù, Atalanta needed something late, something decisive. It came almost at the death: a clean, ruthless strike from Samardzic that ripped through the tension and hauled them level at the summit alongside Roma.

Two games, six points, and suddenly the table has a familiar shape: Roma and Atalanta staring down at the rest.

Sarri wary of Malen and the schedule

From the Zingonia training center, Maurizio Sarri cut a realistic, slightly weary figure as he looked ahead to the clash with the Giallorossi. The football has been good, the results even better, but the calendar is merciless.

“Malen is in great form and will be a problem for the entire match,” Sarri warned, putting a spotlight on one of his key attacking threats. No disguises, no mind games. Roma know exactly who he expects to carry the danger.

The coach underlined the strain his squad is under. “We’ve prepared normally; we’re the only team in Italy that plays five games in sixteen days tomorrow, but we’re having a few issues. Our growth has undoubtedly slowed.”

The message was clear: the legs are heavy, the margin for error thin. Atalanta arrive at this early showdown with momentum, but not without bruises.

“Roma were strong and have become even stronger”

If fatigue is a concern, Roma are the reason Sarri can’t afford to dwell on it. His assessment of the Giallorossi was blunt and respectful.

“They were strong and have become even stronger,” he said. No caveats, no conditions. In his eyes, Roma are built for the long haul. “They will fight for the Scudetto until the end, and I’d be surprised if the opposite happened.”

So the stage is set: Atalanta, perfect at home and riding the high of Samardzic’s late winner, up against a Roma side Sarri openly tips as title contenders.

Early in the season or not, these are the nights that shape belief.