Atalanta’s manager prepared for a challenging match against Liverpool, acknowledging the English side’s formidable reputation.
Despite Atalanta’s lead in the first leg and their ambition to reach their first-ever Europa League semi-final, they remain focused on the task at hand and expect a tough battle against Liverpool.
Gasperini said:
“I expect the best Liverpool possible, with a team that will come here to play all its chances, we will have to play a great game to get a result.”
Gasperini is keen to ensure the first leg performance doesn’t distract his players.
“Tomorrow we start from 0-0, our ability will have to be not thinking about the result of the first leg, that has to be our goal.”
If all goes to plan tomorrow night, Atalanta will make history.
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They have not made the semi-finals of a continental competition since 1988. They also have not won a major trophy since winning the Coppa Italia in 1963.
Gasperini does not want the extra significance of the match to overwhelm his players.
“We know that it will be one of the most important games in our history, if not the most important,
but these are things that are said on the eve of the game, then comes the moment when we will have to know how to isolate ourselves.”
Atalanta captain Marten de Roon recognises the importance of the match to fans, and wants to win for them.
“I saw the happiness of the fans after the victory.”
“I think this could be a small dream for all of Bergamo, now it’s up to us to make everything even more special by moving on to the next round.”
