Atalanta vs. Pafos: Bellanova rested as a precaution, Scalvini and Kessié out

Raoul Bellanova will be rested as a precaution for Atalanta’s Conference League opener against Pafos, while Giorgio Scalvini and Franck Kessié are among seven absentees.

As noted by TuttoMercatoWeb, Maurizio Sarri has named a 20-man squad for tonight’s game in Bergamo, which kicks off at 21:00 CET [20:00 BST].

Bellanova and Scalvini both picked up problems in Monday’s 3-1 win over Venezia, and Sarri has decided not to risk the wing-back. Kessié, who scored in that game, also misses out, along with Isak Hien, Odilon Kossounou, Ibrahim Sulemana and Pompei.

Elmas available for Atalanta against Pafos

There is better news on Eljif Elmas. He was sent off against Venezia, but his ban applies only to Serie A, so he is in the squad.

Up front, Sarri can pick from Nikola Krstovic, who scored twice on Monday, as well as Gianluca Scamacca, Charles De Ketelaere, Giacomo Raspadori and Rowe.

La Gazzetta dello Sport regards Atalanta as almost the favourites to win the competition, and they start their campaign against the Cypriot side after a much-needed win at the weekend.

Atalanta squad vs. Pafos

Goalkeepers: Carnesecchi, Sportiello

Defenders: Bernasconi, Kolasinac, Kristensen, Obric, Zalewski, Zappacosta

Midfielders: Ederson, Elmas, Gaetano, Idele, Pasalic, Samardzic, Sonzogni

Forwards: De Ketelaere, Krstovic, Raspadori, Rowe, Scamacca