Gian Piero Gasperini believes in it, and he knows that the match against Young Boys will be fundamental and could almost guarantee the certainty of the playoffs. The synthetic pitch will not be an alibi but in any case his Atalanta will have to pay attention to the particularity of the surface. This is how the Dea coach presented the match: “We are in a very favorable moment, we have made a remarkable run in the league but we are not alone, the league table is very short and Serie A is very interesting. However, this is another competition, It’s the Champions League and we want to continue the good path we’ve taken so far.”
What match will it be against Young Boys?
“We have to be very careful, they’ve changed coaches and they’re doing well in the league. In the Champions League they put Inter in difficulty, and that says a lot.”
Is the synthetic pitch a trap?
“It’s better than three years ago but it’s still synthetic and we’re not used to it. We have to adapt quickly and not find excuses, but playing on this surface is different. The rebound is different, the speed is different and kicking is different. Everything is clear this. The ball goes at a different speed and we have to adapt before the opening 20-30 minutes.”
Will tomorrow’s match be almost decisive for your qualification at least for the playoffs?
“Yes, we then have Real Madrid and Barcelona left and therefore this match will be fundamental for the future in this competition.”
Do you study the rotations to do a lot?
“In general, those who are better need to be made to play. There’s no point in resting them if they’re in shape. The matches are all very difficult and I always try to put the best lineup on the field. Then by playing every 3 days it’s clear that we need to rotate. I didn’t bring Scalvini because I decided to avoid him on this surface. Then there are the 5 substitutions, which are still very important and in a certain sense are a rotation in the match.”
Do you have any references abroad or are the ideas that come to you for your Atalanta all yours?
“Both things. My players are the main source of ideas, based on their characteristics. The team is made up of many components who must integrate as best as possible. Then, watching the matches, other ideas come to mind, looking at the small details. Playing the cups were a source of experience for me too. You see different football cultures.”
The good news comes from Kolasinac and Djimsiti, who have recovered and have been called up, as well as from Bellanova, who was not injured against Parma, as highlighted by the tests. The complete list of players who left for Switzerland.
Goalkeepers: Carnesecchi Marco (29), Rossi Francesco (31), Rui Patrício (28).
Defenders: Bellanova Raoul (16), Cuadrado Juan (7), Djimsiti Berat (19), Godfrey Ben (5), Hien Isak (4), Kolašinac Sead (23), Kossounou Odilon (3), Palestra Marco (27), Ruggeri Matteo (22), Toloi Rafael (2).
Midfielders: Brescianini Marco (44), De Roon Marten (15), Manzoni Alberto (46), Pašalić Mario (8), Samardžić Lazar (24).
Attackers: De Ketelaere Charles (17), Lookman Ademola (11), Retegui Mateo (32), Zaniolo Nicolò (10).