Hapoel Tel Aviv Impresses With Smart Play in Scoreless Draw Against Atalanta
Hapoel Tel Aviv surprised Italian football by holding Atalanta to a 0-0 draw on Thursday in Bergamo, leaving the second leg in Miskolc wide open. Despite the goalless result, Italian media expressed skepticism about Hapoel's chances, suggesting Atalanta still needs to be cautious. Former AC Milan midfielder and current commentator Riccardo Montolivo praised Hapoel's intelligent and organized style, contrasting it with Atalanta's predictable and slow play. He noted that Atalanta's defenders were overly defensive, which allowed Hapoel to control the game more effectively.
Pianeta Atalanta described Hapoel as a "tough nut to crack," highlighting their fearless and systematic approach. They also pointed out that Atalanta remains a team in development, with Emmanuel Boateng coming close to scoring. Atalanta's coach Maurizio Sarri acknowledged the difficulty of the match and emphasized the need to win the return leg. He mentioned the team's ongoing rebuilding process, including nine players who participated in the World Cup and four injured players. Sarri expressed mixed feelings, satisfied with some aspects but recognizing the need for significant improvement, especially in the final 20 meters of the pitch.
The match marks a notable moment for Israeli football in Europe, showcasing Hapoel Tel Aviv's competitive level against a strong Serie A side.
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