Gian Piero Gasperini is glad Atalanta are facing Napoli, as “it’ll help us not to focus too much” on the Coppa Italia semi-final with Fiorentina.
It kicks off on Monday at 18.00 UK time (17.00 GMT).
Milan and Roma were held to 1-1 draws on Saturday, while Lazio were incredibly defeated 2-1 at home by Chievo, meaning a win would put the Orobici level on points with the Rossoneri in fourth place.
Gian Piero Gasperini is glad Atalanta are facing Napoli, as “it’ll help us not to focus too much” on the Coppa Italia semi-final with Fiorentina.
It kicks off on Monday at 18.00 UK time (17.00 GMT).
Milan and Roma were held to 1-1 draws on Saturday, while Lazio were incredibly defeated 2-1 at home by Chievo, meaning a win would put the Orobici level on points with the Rossoneri in fourth place.
It would’ve been even higher had Atalanta not been held to an extraordinary 0-0 draw by Empoli, having 47 shots on goal and forcing 17 saves out of Bartlomiej Dragowski.
“We must try to recover those points that we dropped against Empoli, starting from the Napoli game,” said Gasp in his Press conference.
“We know that we’re up against a quality opponent, but we have what it takes to do well even in a difficult arena like the Stadio San Paolo.”
Napoli have lost the Scudetto, but want to end the season with some good results after their disappointing Europa League quarter-final exit to Arsenal.
“I expect Napoli to put in a strong performance, as they play good football and if you don’t defend with determination and organisation, you risk losing heavily.”
Atalanta have a tight schedule too, as on Thursday they will host Fiorentina in the second leg of the Coppa Italia semi-final, having drawn 3-3 at the Stadio Franchi in February.
“The Coppa is very important for us, but so is Serie A. We cannot make distinctions between them and will give our all in every game. Having such a big fixture as Napoli can actually help us to not focus too much on the semi-final.”