Atalanta director Umberto Marino did not deny there was a locker room row between Gian Piero Gasperini, Papu Gomez and Josip Ilicic, but the Ajax game ‘is too important to get distracted.’
It kicks off in Amsterdam at 17.55 GMT, click here for the line-ups and LIVEBLOG.
La Dea need a point against Ajax to secure their place in the Champions League Round of 16 for the second season running.
Atalanta director Umberto Marino did not deny there was a locker room row between Gian Piero Gasperini, Papu Gomez and Josip Ilicic, but the Ajax game ‘is too important to get distracted.’
It kicks off in Amsterdam at 17.55 GMT, click here for the line-ups and LIVEBLOG.
La Dea need a point against Ajax to secure their place in the Champions League Round of 16 for the second season running.
“History is in the balance, the history of Atalanta, because that truly would be an extraordinary result. There’s no point denying it,” Marino told Sky Sport Italia.
However, the build-up to the match has been dominated by reports of a locker room row with Gomez and Ilicic against coach Gasperini.
There were even some rumours the situation got physical, that Gasperini threatened to resign, or even purported audio circulating on social media.
“Today, as yesterday, there is only one focus and that is Atalanta. There are no individuals here, it’s too important. We are in a magnificent stadium, we’re playing for the history of this club and it is too big to get distracted by other issues.”
The Percassi family are said to have intervened personally with a meeting over the last few days. Could Marino reveal what was said?
“The owners are in love with this club, know this game is very, very important and put Atalanta in front of everyone and everything.
“This game is too important to get lost in other considerations. I don’t say these things happen every year, but there are always going to be moments, so we have to stay absolutely focused on the opportunity to reach the Champions League last 16 – and that is not a small matter.”