Atalanta director Luca Percassi will not choose between the Coppa Italia and Europa League semi-finals. ‘They are all opportunities to continue the growth process.’
The semi-final with Fiorentina kicks off at the Gewiss Stadium in Bergamo at 20.00 UK time (19.00 GMT).
You can follow all the build-up and action as it happens on the LIVEBLOG.
The first leg ended 1-0 for the Tuscans on April 3 thanks to a long-range stunner from Rolando Mandragora, so La Dea need to turn this around to reach the Final.
“The danger tonight is that we are up against a strong opponent, we lost the first leg and this is the second half, so it will be very difficult. We’ll see what happens, prepared at our best and the fans will be right behind us,” Percassi told Sport Mediaset.
Juventus already qualified after beating Lazio 3-2 on aggregate last night and also therefore booked their spot in the Supercoppa Italiana Final Four next season.
Atalanta and Fiorentina are the only Italian teams who are both in the Coppa Italia semi-final and the semi-final of their UEFA tournaments, the Europa League and Conference League respectively.
“These are all fascinating tournaments, we are experiencing something extraordinary and these are all opportunities to grow and learn. It is great to play so many important matches and we want to give our all.”
Percassi was asked in a roundabout way whether Charles De Ketelaere can expect to remain in Bergamo next season or return to Milan?
“I would advise him to stay in Bergamo, as it is a wonderful city and people are very happy here,” he smiled.
Gian Piero Gasperini said several times that the Coppa Italia is the only trophy Atalanta are likely to win, but is the Europa League really out of their reach after eliminating Liverpool?
“All I can say is that we’re having such a wonderful season that every match gives us motivation. We have not made any decisions, the fact Atalanta can play for any trophy is a great privilege. We’ll try to give our best in every game, they are all big opportunities to continue the growth process.”
There have been rumours over the last few days that Gasperini could be approached by clubs such as Napoli, while their players as always are targets.
“As Atalanta fans and directors, our responsibility is to do the best for this club. We are concentrated on the present, but whatever we do in future will be aimed at reinforcing the squad. We hope to make as few mistakes as possible.”
Could La Dea one day think about a Scudetto challenge?
“Let’s say we keep our feet on the ground here in Bergamo. Everything we have, we earned on the pitch. When my father bought Atalanta 15 years ago, the ambition was to put together 10 consecutive years of Serie A football. We have gone a long way beyond those expectations, but we know where we are coming from and what we need to do.
“We are here, not forgetting our past, looking to the future with clarity and pragmatism.”