Gian Piero Gasperini has warned Atalanta’s rivals that have they ‘absolute focus’ to end the season on a high, despite their Coppa Italia disappointment.
Gian Piero Gasperini has warned Atalanta’s rivals that have they ‘absolute focus’ to end the season on a high, despite their Coppa Italia disappointment.
This clash comes just days after the 2-0 Coppa Italia Final defeat to Lazio, which means one of their two major objectives for the season has been missed – the other being possibly Champions League qualification.
“We’re not thinking about the Coppa Italia now, but about Serie A,” said the Coach in his Press conference.
“There will be two decisive rounds and it’s difficult to call this one decisive, because there is another after that. We will dive head-first into Serie A with all our strength, trying to give our best.
“Psychologically, we emerge as absolute winners from the Coppa, with even more hunger to do well in Serie A. We lost the match to Lazio, but emerged with more belief.
“That was Lazio’s last chance to get anything from this season, whereas we are fortunate enough to still be in the running for the Europa League or Champions League.
“We’ve been in this absolute focus for months, in an incredible run of fixtures, but manage to recharge our physical and psychological batteries every time. Maybe we’ve become accustomed to it, but undoubtedly that is a great strength for Atalanta to have,
“It’s very difficult tomorrow, Juve have dominated the Scudetto race and they’ve got a celebration lined up tomorrow evening. It will also be the final home match for Max Allegri, emotions will be running high on all sides.
“Even if we get a result here, we could still finish third or end up empty-handed. It’s that close. We know the result is important and that there are no games taken for granted at this stage of the season, including Milan’s trip to SPAL.”
Rafael Toloi is injured and Jose Luis Palomino suspended, so there have to be changes in defence.
“Gianluca Mancini or Hans Hateboer can play there,” continued Gasp. “In midfield, the alternative is Mario Pasalic, while we’re going with Robin Gosens on the wing.”
The 61-year-old is preparing to face his former club, whose Scudetto celebrations have been overshadowed by Max Allegri’s exit, while this could be his final trip to Turin with Atalanta…
“There are so many emotions, certainly over this thing with Allegri, plus it’s Juve’s last home game of the season.
“Our situation carries more weight, especially for the result. Ultimately it’s a difficult game, but it’s also the beauty of this sport and season that it offers us these games at a decisive moment in the season.
“Many of us are in the same situation. I’ve already talked to President Percassi. We must do our best until the end of the season, then we’ll take stock.
“I’ll never do anything without having heard from the President. I’ll pass anything by him first.”