Duvan Zapata said Atalanta must ‘match the intesity’ of Liverpool in the Champions League match on Tuesday. ‘We can hurt them if we play our game’.

The 29-year-old centre-forward has scored three goals in two Champions League games so far, but he stressed the absence of Virgil van Dijk in the Liverpool defence won’t change much for the Orobici forwards tomorrow.

“I know they have some players out, but it doesn’t mean anything,” Zapata said at a press conference. “They are strong.

Duvan Zapata said Atalanta must ‘match the intesity’ of Liverpool in the Champions League match on Tuesday. ‘We can hurt them if we play our game’.

The 29-year-old centre-forward has scored three goals in two Champions League games so far, but he stressed the absence of Virgil van Dijk in the Liverpool defence won’t change much for the Orobici forwards tomorrow.

“I know they have some players out, but it doesn’t mean anything,” Zapata said at a press conference. “They are strong.

“Any player who plays for them will have experience. It will be a very difficult match.

“They know how we play up front, we have to be determined throughout the game. We have to think about both phases, to win this match we need to match their intensity.”

Despite recognising the difficulties La Dea face on Tuesday, Zapata believes the home side are able to ‘hurt’ Liverpool too.

“It will not be an easy match. Last season they won the Premier League, two years ago the Champions League,” he added. “They are a strong team at an international level.

“It will not be easy for their defence either, we can hurt them if we are able to play our game.”

Atalanta face Inter in Serie A after the big match against Liverpool and Zapata said they must take one game at a time.

“All matches are important for us, we can’t afford to choose one over another. We’ll think about Inter later,” the Colombian continued.

“Every year is an opportunity, I speak individually. Last year, I was out in these matches, now I want to take advantage of being able to express myself to the fullest.

“It has always been excellent for everyone here. The coach has many options now, whoever plays must feel good.

“Whoever goes on the pitch must make the most of the opportunity.”

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