Serie A: Atalanta and Bologna draw 0-0
Translated from Italian and summarized by DistantNews. Read the original for the full story.
At a glance
- Atalanta and Bologna drew 0-0 in the Monday night match that closed the second round of Serie A.
- Atalanta used the game to test Maurizio Sarri's 4-3-3 system as the club weighs further moves before the transfer window closes.
- The match followed the surprise departure of Marten de Roon, who had made a club-record 445 appearances for Atalanta.
Atalanta's experiment with Maurizio Sarri's 4-3-3 ended without goals as Bologna held the Bergamo side to a 0-0 draw in the match that closed the second round of Serie A.
The game came amid uncertainty over Atalanta's squad and formation. The club had limited options for its attacking trio, with Kamaldeen sidelined until early autumn, and wanted to move for Bologna winger Jonathan Rowe. Rowe was left out of Bologna's squad, while the transfer deadline of Sept. 1 was approaching.
I should be happy, but I can't be.
Atalanta also faced defensive decisions after Honest Ahanor's move to Chelsea. Sporting director Cristiano Giuntoli reportedly preferred Juan Cabal, while Sarri favored Alessio Romagnoli, although the Lazio defender primarily plays as a center-back. In midfield, Gaetano started as the playmaker alongside Lazar Samardzic and Ederson, with Mario Pasalic available as a replacement.
The match followed the unexpected return of Franck Kessie and the unexpected departure of Marten de Roon. The Dutch midfielder left after 10 years and a club-record 445 appearances. De Roon said Gasperini had called him the previous day and strongly wanted him, but added, "I should be happy, but I can't be." He said the decision had come quickly and left him feeling a heavy weight because of his bond with the club, its supporters and the city.
For 10 unforgettable years that will always unite us.
Originally published by ANSA in Italian. Translated, summarized, and contextualized automatically by DistantNews, with a note on how the source frames the story. Not individually reviewed before publishing. How this works.