Atalanta have left Josip Ilicic out of their Europa League list, but Gian Piero Gasperini included new signings Valentin Mihaila and Jeremie Boga.
Multiple sources in Italy confirm Ilicic has been left out following his mental health issues. The decision was taken by mutual agreement with the footballer.
“It is never easy for me to talk about a situation like this, because it is very personal. I can only say we will always be close to him, because these are situations that go beyond football, beyond the profession,” Gasperini Sky Sport Italia in January.
“We have known him for many years, had many happy moments together. I can say he is a very normal, positive person, but the insides of our minds are like a jungle. It’s tough for psychiatrists to work out what’s going on, let alone for us.
“I just hope he can return and rediscover some joy playing on the pitch.”
New signing Boga and Mihaila have been included in the list.
La Dea will face Olympiacos in the Europa League knockout round play-offs. The first leg is scheduled in Bergamo on February 17, while the decider will be played in Greece the following week, on February 24.
Atalanta’s Europa League list
Goalkeepers: Musso, Sportiello, Rossi.
Defenders: Toloi, Djimsiti, Palomino, Demiral, Hateboer, Maehle, Pezzella, Zappacosta, Scalvini.
Midfielders: de Roon, Freuler, Koopmeiners, Pasalic, Malinovskyi, Mihaila, Pessina.
Strikers: Miranchuk, Zapata, Muriel, Boga.
Very sad for Ilicic – get well soon Josip.