Everton jet out to Italy for Europa League group stage opener

Everton have flown out to Italy ahead of their Europa League group stage opener against Atalanta.

Wayne Rooney was among the travelling party despite his much publicised off-field issues.

Rooney is due in court on Monday to answer a drink-driving charge while reports his wife Coleen had asked the striker to request “sympathetic leave” were denied on Tuesday.

Also among the travelling party were the likes of Tom Davies, Dominic Calvert-Lewin and Ademola Lookman.

The Toffees will be looking to bounce back after Saturday’s hugely disappointing result and performance against Tottenham Hotspur at Goodison Park.

Sketchy media reports suggest the likes of Lookman and Calvert-Lewin will be handed starts as Koeman looks to inject some pace into his side.

There is also the small matter of a trip to Old Trafford on Sunday, meaning some squad rotation is essential.

It won’t be easy though against an Atalanta side celebrating their return to Europe for the first time in 26 years.

Ronald Koeman is due to hold his pre-match news conference at 6.30pm BST before the players train at the Citta del Tricolore stadium.