Charles De Ketelaere is facing sharp criticism in the Italian press after a scoreless start to the season culminated in a 2-0 defeat for Atalanta against Ajax in the UEFA Conference League on Thursday night. Former Real Madrid and AC Milan manager Fabio Capello singled out the Belgian international on Sky Sport Italia, stating that the forward is no longer creating decisive chances for his teammates.

Capello Questions De Ketelaere’s Decisive Actions

Speaking in the television studio after Thursday’s match in Amsterdam, Capello addressed the ongoing struggles of Atalanta’s attacking midfielder. Voetbalkrant.com reported that Capello criticized the player’s lack of impact following a performance that ended with a substitution after 62 minutes. I don’t think about the goals he doesn’t score, but about the decisive actions he doesn’t make anymore, Capello said.

The Italian analyst added that De Ketelaere was never an out-and-out goalscorer, but previously excelled at spotting his teammates’ runs and delivering dangerous passes. According to Capello, those key passes have vanished from his game. It was normal to see him create two or three big chances per match. Now it is sometimes just one. He is constantly playing below the required tempo, Capello stated.

Ratings and Tactical Struggles Under Sarri

The Dutch side secured the 2-0 victory with goals in the final three minutes, capping a frustrating evening for Atalanta’s attack. VoetbalNieuws.be noted that Sky Sport Italia handed De Ketelaere a 4.5 out of 10 for his display, while Calciomercato and Tuttosport both awarded him a 5 out of 10.

The ongoing form slump follows a difficult transition under new coach Maurizio Sarri. VoetbalBelgie reported that Atalanta is struggling to find the right formula to move past the Gian Piero Gasperini era. Sarri has deployed De Ketelaere in various roles, frequently shifting him from his preferred central attacking position to the right flank. Despite switching to a 4-2-3-1 formation against Ajax that allowed the Belgian to operate behind the striker, the tactical tweak failed to yield results.

Statistics underline the forward’s dry spell. De Ketelaere remains without a Serie A goal this season and has contributed just one assist through nine league matches. The downturn extends back to January, leaving the former Club Brugge player searching for the form that prompted AC Milan to initially bring him to Italy before his subsequent move to Bergamo.

Upcoming Fixtures

Atalanta returns to domestic competition as Sarri’s squad attempts to adjust its tactical approach and lift De Ketelaere out of his current slump.