CHAMPIONS LEAGUE
Atalanta striker Duvan Zapata could be in line to make his return against Parma on January 6, reports La Gazzetta dello Sport.
Roma midfielder Steven Nzonzi has reportedly been targeted by Olympique Lyonnais and Everton after a disappointing spell on loan at Galatasaray.
Valencia coach Albert Celades knows Atalanta will be difficult opponents when they meet in the Champions League in February. “They are a very physical team.”
Juventus director of sport Fabio Paratici is happy the club drew Lyon in the last 16 of the Champions League. “It could’ve been a lot worse.”
Atalanta President Antonio Percassi believes his side can make a ‘good impression’ after drawing Valencia in the last 16 of the Champions League. “They’re a strong team, but more at our level.”
Arrigo Sacchi believes Carlo Ancelotti, now in talks with Everton after his dismissal, made a mistake in joining Napoli. “I would’ve told him not to go there.”
Paris Saint-Germain director of sport Leonardo states the club are in no rush to sign Inter loanee Mauro Icardi outright. “Six months is a long time in football.”
Paris Saint-Germain director of sport Leonardo says the troubles at Milan are due to a lack of stability. “Football has changed from a family dimension to a global sport.”
Olympique Lyonnais legend Juninho Pernambucano believes Juventus are favourites in the Champions League Round of 16. “They are a mix of hard work and quality.”
Olympique Lyonnais coach Rudi Garcia is happy to face Juventus in the Champions League Round of 16. “It’s always good to play against the best.”
Gennaro Gattuso and Arkadiusz Milik assure Napoli have “no fear” going into the Champions League Round of 16 with Barcelona.
Barcelona coach Ernesto Valverde can’t wait for the Champions League clash with Napoli. “They are a strong and complicated opponent with a great atmosphere in their stadium.”
Barcelona director Guillermo Amor accepts Napoli are “complicated” opponents as “would be disrespectful to say one is easier than the other.”
Atalanta owner Antonio Percassi says his club received an early “Christmas present” after they were drawn Valencia in the Champions League.
Pavel Nedved admits the draw “could’ve been worse” for Juventus as they prepare to face Olympique Lyonnais in the last 16 of the Champions League.
Napoli are drawn Barcelona in the last 16 of the Champions League, whilst Juventus get Olympique Lyonnais and Atalanta are rewarded with Valencia.
Juventus could be drawn Real Madrid in the Champions League last 16 later, while holders Liverpool possibly await Napoli or Atalanta.
Antonio Conte saw some parallels between Inter’s 1-1 draw with Fiorentina and the 2-1 defeat to Barcelona. “We deserved more from both games.”
Inter director Beppe Marotta tried to “find the positive in the negative, as we leave the Champions League with heads held high.”
Gian Piero Gasperini has more injury concerns as Atalanta visit Bologna, warning them to leave Champions League thoughts behind for the moment.
Maurizio Sarri tried to shake Juventus out of Champions League mode and focus back on Serie A to avoid another slip-up with Udinese. “We must fight against it.”
Atalanta President Antonio Percassi has admitted he “cried alone” after the famous 3-0 win over Shakhtar Donetsk on Wednesday.
Atalanta captain Alejandro Gomez will be made an honorary citizen of Bergamo for helping the club progress in the Champions League.
Gianluigi Buffon says “it’s always a pleasure” to face Real Madrid, as Juventus could draw the Spanish giants in the last 16 of the Champions League.
Thousands of Atalanta fans waited until the early hours of Thursday morning to celebrate their team’s dramatic Champions League exploits.
Juventus star Cristiano Ronaldo “likes to play with both” Paulo Dybala and Gonzalo Higuain and would love a Champions League Final with Real Madrid.
Juventus forward Paulo Dybala has revealed that he, Cristiano Ronaldo and Gonzalo Higuain “all want to play” together.
Marten de Roon admits “I don't believe what we did, I have no words” after Atalanta secured a place in the knockout stages of the Champions League.
Atalanta will pocket at least €40m from their first ever Champions League campaign after booking their place in the Round of 16.
Maurizio Sarri explained why he introduced Paulo Dybala to break the Bayer Leverkusen deadlock, but reiterated the importance of Juventus “focus.”
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