Maurizio Sarri insists Atalanta performances have been ‘improving’ despite a third straight defeat to Juventus, but ‘this team needs to light a fire in its soul.’

La Dea had the opportunities to equalise after the Francisco Conceicao opener, specifically when Randal Kolo Muani became a makeshift defender for the goal-line clearance, but Gleison Bremer nodded in a corner to seal the 2-0 result in Turin.

It was the third consecutive defeat for Sarri’s side, who are struggling to adapt to his style of football.

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)

“We were in the game until the second goal, then we lost our unity and our shape,” insisted the coach to Sky Sport Italia.

“It was a pretty balanced encounter for 65 minutes. I maintain my team is improving both technically and tactically, but we are still lagging behind in terms of courage, enthusiasm and taking the initiative.”

After three consecutive Serie A defeats, is it time to talk about a crisis for Atalanta?

“I don’t think so, the first three games were a lower level of performance, but we have been improving over the last three. This team needs to have more character, to light up that fire in its soul.