Parma and Atalanta test offensive tactics in pre‑season friendlies

Swedish winger Pontus Almqvist, who provided the assist for Rachid Kouda in Parma’s 1‑1 draw with Arezzo in Pinzolo, said the club wants to play "a bit more offensively". He noted the team is still early in the season, needs to manage energy better and that he is not yet at 100% fitness but aims to improve soon.

Atalanta, under new coach Maurizio Sarri, is experimenting with midfielder Nicola Zalewski, moving him from a left‑wing role to a left mezzala position. In the same friendly against Arezzo, Zalewski showed mixed results, struggling to adapt to the new responsibilities while offering tactical flexibility. Sarri plans further tests in upcoming matches to decide whether to keep him in the mezzala role or revert him to the wing.