Atalanta’s ‘maturity test’ after win over Chelsea

Atalanta coach Raffaele Palladino enjoyed the team’s performance against Chelsea, especially ‘ in terms of sacrifice’ but wants to see more of the same against Cagliari: ‘It’s a maturity test.’

Atalanta are the best-ranked Serie A team in the Champions League and the only Italian side to have earned at least a spot for the knockout playoff with two games to spare.

La Dea have 13 points in six European matches, but their form in Serie A has been very different, with only 16 points in 14 league games.

Atalanta-Cagliari: Palladino’s pre-match press conference

On Tuesday, they shocked Chelsea in the Champions League with a 2-1 comeback win in Bergamo.

“It was an excellent match in terms of spirit and sacrifice. I want to see a team that understands the moments, defending and attacking together,” Palladino said at a press conference via Gianluca Di Marzio.

“Of course, we must work to improve the approach; it’s fundamental.”

Palladino went on to praise Italy starlet Honest Ahanor, who was introduced in the second half against the Blues.

“Ahanor is a talent that we have to develop. He played a great game against Chelsea, and I really like his spirit. Being bold and making the most, 110%, of every chance he’s given.”

La Dea have lost four of the last five Serie A games, and tomorrow they host a Cagliari side who beat Roma 1-0 last week.

“I expect the right spirit and a response from the team. It’s the group that makes the difference, and for us, it is a maturity test,” Palladino concluded.

“Serie A games are always difficult, even against lower-table teams. Tomorrow we face a Cagliari side that defend well and can rely on players with great stamina. The wish is to keep the same spirit we had on Tuesday.”

Atalanta sit 12th in the Serie A table and have only won three matches domestically this season.