Gian Piero Gasperini insists Atalanta “earned this opportunity and want to enjoy it, as it’s a one-off game” against Juventus in the Coppa Italia quarter-final.
It kicks off on Wednesday at 19.45 GMT and the winners go on to face either Roma or Fiorentina in the semi-finals.
“Juventus have won the Scudetto and Coppa Italia for each of the last few years, but although they are the favourites, we have faith because this time it’s a one-off game and we’re on home turf,” said the Coach in his Press conference.
Gian Piero Gasperini insists Atalanta “earned this opportunity and want to enjoy it, as it’s a one-off game” against Juventus in the Coppa Italia quarter-final.
It kicks off on Wednesday at 19.45 GMT and the winners go on to face either Roma or Fiorentina in the semi-finals.
“Juventus have won the Scudetto and Coppa Italia for each of the last few years, but although they are the favourites, we have faith because this time it’s a one-off game and we’re on home turf,” said the Coach in his Press conference.
The last three Serie A meetings between the sides in Bergamo have all ended 2-2, including the most recent on December 26, but Juve knocked Atalanta out of the Coppa Italia semi-final last season (2-0 on aggregate).
“Juventus keep setting records and everyone is therefore highly-motivated when playing against them. I was a Coach in their youth academy, so I know the mentality well.
“Max Allegri knows how to give his team consistency and motivation. You just have to look at the last match on Sunday, when they were trailing against Lazio and it seemed to be beyond them, but they fought back and won 2-1.
“If we want to win the Coppa Italia, then this is a big opportunity for us. It’s a chance we earned and one we want to enjoy in a packed stadium full of fans cheering us on.”
Atalanta and Juventus are the most prolific sides in Serie A this season, with the Orobici scoring 47 goals to the Bianconeri’s 43.
“With Papu Gomez behind Josip Ilicic and Duvan Zapata, we have increased our attacking capability,” added Gasp.
“We do concede a few more goals, but in the grand scheme of things, it’s worth it and we come out on top. Putting Papu in the trequartista role has guaranteed vivacity and quality.”
Atalanta squad for Juventus: Berisha, Gollini, Rossi; Adnan, Castagne, Djimsiti, Gosens, Hateboer, Mancini, Masiello, Palomino, Reca, Toloi; De Roon, Freuler, Kulusevski, Pasalic, Pessina; Barrow, Gomez, Ilicic, Piccoli, Duvan Zapata