Gian Piero Gasperini cannot help but think back to the Champions League quarter-final against PSG when Atalanta visit Sporting Lisbon. ‘That was a fantastic moment, but also one with the most regrets.’
It kicks off at the Estadio Alvalade on Thursday at 17.45 UK time (16.45 GMT).
Lisbon will always be a special city in the hearts of Atalanta supporters, because this was where the unusual one-off Champions League quarter-final was held against Paris Saint-Germain in 2020.
Due to the COVID pandemic shutting down football for several months, the European tournament was rushed into a new format with one host country to minimise travel.
Mario Pasalic had given Atalanta the lead for over an hour, but Marquinhos equalised at the 90th minute, followed by an Eric Maxim Choupo-Moting winner in stoppages.
“That was a fantastic moment in certain aspects, as it was perhaps the high point of our European experience to be so close to the Champions League semi-final,” Gasperini told Sky Sport Italia.
“At the same time, it was the moment with the most regrets, seeing that chance disappear before our eyes in the last two minutes. Let’s just say it was certainly memorable.”
Curiously, Atalanta are now staying in the same hotel where PSG were lodged ahead of that match.
This is the Europa League and will be a fixture against Sporting CP, after Atalanta opened the group phase with a 2-0 home win over Polish champions Rakow.
“Sporting are very competitive, they are top of the table domestically and put up a real battle with Juventus last season, even if the Bianconeri qualified in the end. They are tough opponents.”
Inter also faced Portuguese opposition last night in the Champions League, beating Benfica 1-0 with a Marcus Thuram strike.
“They had so many scoring opportunities, especially in the second half. This is a very different game, as we are on their turf and Sporting are in a good period of form. It is an opportunity for us to play these games and as I always say, we will emerge with something positive from it regardless of the result.
“We care about Serie A too, but evidently international competition has a different atmosphere and fascination for us. It is still early days this season, we had some good performances recently and had regrets at the draw with Juventus, but at the same time it also gave us more belief about our capabilities.”
Charles De Ketelaere had been a flop at Milan, but is finally starting to show what he is capable of under Gasperini’s tenure.
“He is still young and has undoubted qualities, which is why Milan signed him. He was coming off a year that was not fortunate, but he still gained a lot of experience with Stefano Pioli and his staff. Naturally, it is easier for me to work with someone who already has a year in Serie A.
“I found De Ketelaere to be a good guy who is eager to do well.”