Atalanta's Strong Start: A Fortress at Gewiss Stadium

Atalanta hit the new league season at full speed, and the Gewiss Stadium already feels like a fortress.

Two home games, two wins. First Sassuolo were swept aside, then Bologna were pushed back in a tight, nervy contest that only broke open at the death. The Rossoblù looked like they might escape Bergamo with a point, until Samardzic stepped up late and ripped in the decisive strike that sent Atalanta level with Roma at the top of the table.

One shot, one roar from the stands, and suddenly the early-season picture changed.

Now comes the real test.

Sarri wary of Malen and the schedule

From the Zingonia training center, Maurizio Sarri cut a realistic, slightly wary figure as he looked ahead to the clash with the Giallorossi.

“Malen is in great form and will be a problem for the entire match,” he admitted at his press conference, making it clear where one of the main threats lies. The plan, he insisted, has not been ripped up despite the congested calendar.

“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 schedule is biting, and Sarri knows it. Fatigue, minor knocks, and the risk of losing sharpness all lurk beneath the surface of a strong start.

Roma, stronger and dangerous

If Atalanta’s early surge has impressed, Sarri’s words about Roma carried even more weight.

“They were strong and have become even stronger,” he said, underlining just how high he rates the Giallorossi. “They will fight for the Scudetto until the end, and I'd be surprised if the opposite happened.”

That is the bar he expects them to hit. That is the level Atalanta must now match.

Two wins at home have lit the fuse under their campaign. Roma will reveal how bright that flame can really burn.