Sarri admits Scalvini likely to miss Milan clash, awaits reunion with ex-Chelsea star
BERGAMO, ITALY - SEPTEMBER 12: Atalanta BC coach Maurizio Sarri looks on during the Serie A match between Atalanta BC and Parma Calcio at Stadio Atleti Azzurri d'Italia on September 12, 2026 in Bergamo, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)
Maurizio Sarri admits Giorgio Scalvini will likely miss Atalanta’s next Serie A match against Milan, but he’s looking forward to reuniting with his ex-Chelsea player, David Luiz: ‘I imagined he would play for a long time.’
Sarri previewed Atalanta’s home Conference League game against Paphos during a press conference on Wednesday.
“For the moment, we haven’t been properly trained. This is modern football,” he said via TMW.
“When you play three games in six days, you need to adapt because you don’t have much time. I don’t think this type of football is too appealing. I feel the same way as the Curvas. We must be as ready as possible for the next match. We’ll see who will play. We are making assessments.
“I expect a tough game. In Italy, medium-sized and small teams have improved dramatically, and the same is happening in Europe,” he continued.
“They are a good team that came close to qualifying for the Round of 16. They have great technical values, with Portuguese and Brazilian players who are great on the ball.”
Giorgio Scalvini and Raoul Bellanova were subbed off during Monday’s 3-1 Serie A win over Venezia, and Sarri gave a quick update on the centre-back in an interview with Sky Sport Italia.
“Scalvini’s injury isn’t too serious, but he needs a few days of rest and will probably miss the game against Milan too,” he admitted.
“What matters now is that everyone is involved and that as many players as possible get playing time.”
The upcoming Conference League match against Paphos will see a reunion between Sarri and his ex-Chelsea coach, David Luiz.
The 39-year-old captains the Cyprus-based club. He scored three goals and provided two assists in 50 appearances for Chelsea under Sarri, helping win the Europa League in the 2018-19 season.
“He’s an extraordinary lad and such a strong player,” Sarri told Sky.
“Beyond being a player, he has enormous depth as a person. I’m fond of him and remember him fondly. I saw him as someone who loves football, so I imagined he would play for a long time.”
Atalanta goalkeeper Carnesecchi joined Sarri for today’s press conference, and the coach joked about the Italian: “The problem is that I can’t play him in central midfield,” he said, smiling.
“He’s a player with great personality, the potential to make the difference, and broad shoulders. It’s not a burden for him; it’s a great source of motivation.”
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