Atalanta coach Maurizio Sarri has warned Roma that Donyell Malen is in “a state of grace” ahead of Saturday evening’s meeting at the Stadio Olimpico. Malen has made an immediate impression since joining Roma and will be one of the main attacking threats Sarri’s side must contain. The Atalanta coach singled out the Dutchman when discussing how his team have prepared for the difficult away fixture.
Sarri is also aware that his team face a significant physical challenge. Atalanta are the only Serie A side to have already played four matches in 11 days, leaving limited opportunities to train and prepare specifically for their opponents. That disparity in preparation time is something Sarri believes could prove significant, particularly with several of Atalanta’s new arrivals still adapting to his system.