Test match in Zingonia v NK Opatija: game report
Kamaldeen, Sulemana and Samardžić the Nerazzurri on target
Following the friendly in Cologne, the Nerazzurri took to the Centro Bortolotti pitch this morning for a 75-minute test match (first half 45 minutes, second half 30 minutes) against Croatian side NK Opatija, which ended in a 3-3 draw.
After an early effort from Scamacca - a diagonal strike that went just wide - the deadlock was broken on 23 minutes, with Kamaldeen dashing at the back post to turn in Samardžić's pinpoint assist. The visitors levelled in the 29th minute through Zibanovic. The Nerazzurri restored the lead in the 34th, when Sulemana, teed up by Scamacca, cleaved a powerful finisher into the top corner. Right before the break, the Croatian side drew level again, once more through Zibanovic.
In the second half, Opatija took the lead once again with Ajayi. Atalanta responded with Kamaldeen, whose effort flew just wide. On 71 minutes, Samardžić won and then converted a penalty to make it 3-3. The final chances fell to Ahanor and Samardžić, whose efforts drifted just wide.
After taking the Monday off, training will resume on Tuesday morning in Zingonia with a behind-closed-doors drill.
ATALANTA 3-3 NK OPATIJA
Scorers: Kamaldeen 23 (A), Zibanovic 29, 45 (O), Sulemana 34 (A), Ajayi 50 (O), Samardžić (penalty) 71 (A)
Atalanta: Sportiello, Kossounou, Godfrey, Ahanor, Palestra (Bonfanti 46), Sulemana, Brescianini, Bernasconi, Samardžić, Kamaldeen, Scamacca (Lonardo 67). Coach: Ivan Jurić.
NK Opatija: Nwolokor (Vucetic 46, Pezelj 67), Maric (Milanovic 59), Bagadur (Brlek 59), Dalic (Svrljuga 46), Mrsic (Marot 46), Zibanovic (Sanjug 59), F. Shehu (N. Shehu 56), Weitzer (Blecic 51), B. Bogolin (Macolic 46), Ajayi (Jakac 51), Stojanovic (Pejanovic 51). Unused bench: Delijaj. Coach: Zoran Bogolin.
Referee: Alessandro Pizzi from Bergamo (assistant referees: Salvatore Nicosia from Saronno and Bruno Galigani from Sondrio).