Gian Piero Gasperini criticised Leonardo Spinazzola for abandoning Atalanta ahead of their big game with Roma to push through a Juventus move.
It kicks off on Sunday at 17.00 UK time (16.00 GMT), click here for a match preview.
Spinazzola is refusing to play until the Orobici accept an offer from Juve to interrupt his two-year loan early.
Gian Piero Gasperini criticised Leonardo Spinazzola for abandoning Atalanta ahead of their big game with Roma to push through a Juventus move.
It kicks off on Sunday at 17.00 UK time (16.00 GMT), click here for a match preview.
Spinazzola is refusing to play until the Orobici accept an offer from Juve to interrupt his two-year loan early.
“I call up Spinazzola, but he then takes himself off the list. I don’t want to get too much into this situation, as it’s really disappointing,” said the Coach in a Press conference.
“As far as I’m concerned, you keep playing for a team as long as you are there. Unfortunately, the God of money prevails. It’s surprising to see young players try to force transfers like this, but they only learn what they see the older stars do. Spinazzola isn’t here, but that doesn’t mean we will play with 10 men.
“Roma are missing Mohamed Salah and Antonio Rudiger, but otherwise it’s basically the same squad that finished second in Serie A last season. They can challenge for the title along with Napoli and Juventus.
“I don’t know if it’s better to face them now rather than later in the season, when they are more well-drilled, but the first round is an unknown quantity for everyone.”
Atalanta finished fourth in Serie A last term and qualified for the Europa League, but was that just a fluke?
“We’ll only discover what our objectives are as we go along,” continued Gasperini.
“I agree with the President, for a club like Atalanta the fundamental thing is to stay in Serie A. It’ll be a fascinating challenge for us to play in Europe and have so many games. We’re happy to be there, although hope there won’t be too many injuries.
“Mattia Caldara and Marten De Roon need a little while to be ready. Losing Andrea Conti and Spinazzola wasn’t in the plan, so this created a problem and we had to make do.
“There is an exceptional atmosphere around Atalanta and we cannot let them down. It’ll be tougher than last season, because I don’t see any really weak sides in Serie A now.”