Italian Media Praise Hapoel Tel Aviv's Smart Play Against Atalanta in 0-0 Draw

Hapoel Tel Aviv earned praise not only in Israel but also from the Italian media following their 0-0 draw against Atalanta on Thursday in Bergamo. Facing one of Serie A's stronger teams, Hapoel showed no inferiority complex and secured a favorable result ahead of their second leg next week in Hungary. Local Bergamo outlets noted that Hapoel effectively disrupted Atalanta's play, which was described as slow and lacking cohesion. Atalanta's goalkeeper Marco Carnesecchi received special mention for a crucial save against Emmanuel Boateng, which prevented a deserved win for Hapoel.

Former Atalanta and AC Milan player Ricardo Montolivo, now a commentator, said Hapoel played smarter than Atalanta, emphasizing that Atalanta must improve and that coach Maurizio Sarri has much work ahead. Montolivo also expressed confidence that the second leg would look very different. Sarri acknowledged the difficulty of the match, noting Hapoel's physicality and his own team's ongoing rebuilding process, with many new players and injuries. He remained optimistic but stressed the need for improvement and a focus on the upcoming rematch, saying the team is taking it one game at a time.