Roberto De Zerbi admits Sassuolo are facing Atalanta at a far-from-ideal time but insists they will not hold back on Saturday.

Sassuolo have struggled for consistency this season, alternating with a win and defeat in their opening five games, including a 1-0 loss to Parma last time out.

“We must play with great intensity against Atalanta, without distorting ourselves,” De Zerbi said at a Press conference.

Roberto De Zerbi admits Sassuolo are facing Atalanta at a far-from-ideal time but insists they will not hold back on Saturday.

Sassuolo have struggled for consistency this season, alternating with a win and defeat in their opening five games, including a 1-0 loss to Parma last time out.

“We must play with great intensity against Atalanta, without distorting ourselves,” De Zerbi said at a Press conference.

“Atalanta have been one of the most difficult teams to face for years. They have a clear and consolidated mentality, they always push all the way, without half measures.

“I don’t think they’ll think about their Champions League match tomorrow. The 6-2 defeat came in a particular way last season.

“It was our third game in seven days, like it is this year, and facing one of the most physical teams in the League in this way isn’t the best.

“Both teams always try to play their game, with a clear identity. We hope to be able to repeat our performances against Samp and SPAL.

“We went to the Tardini for a contest, but Parma didn’t want to have one and unfortunately we had to adapt to them on the pitch.

“But as long as I’m here, we won’t go to Parma to wait for them and bank on incidents happening, at least at the start.

“If our opponents are pinning us back then we’ll adapt, but it didn't happen on Wednesday and that’s why I say our attitude was wrong.

“I kept Duncan out against Parma because he was coming back from 40 days of injury. It was a forced choice, not a technical one.

“Alfred often gets muscular problems, so I didn’t want to take risks with him. The same goes for Peluso or Defrel, who I’ll assess tomorrow.”

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