Umberto Marino commented on Ruslan Malinovskyi’s injury and the fight for a top four finish following Atalanta’s 4-0 win over Sampdoria.
La Dea stormed to a confident victory at the Gewiss Stadium earlier today, with goals from Mario Pasalic, Teun Koopmeiners and Aleksei Miranchuk securing the three points for Gian Piero Gasperini’s side. Atalanta’s next match is against Roma next weekend.
Speaking to DAZN after the win over Sampdoria, Marino first reacted to the victory in Bergamo.
“The whole team played well, showing great character and will. It’s a united group that wants to reach the goal and stay on the train to Europe.”
He touched on the tactical changes following the injury to Ruslan Malinovskyi.
“Certainly the coach was not happy with this change and certainly something changed because Malinovskyi has that left foot, he scores from outside the box, second only to Messi, but Pasalic played, who has a unique will. He played everywhere, in a while we’ll try him up front as well.
“He stopped immediately, let’s hope it’s nothing serious. Let’s touch wood.”
Marino commented on Miranchuk’s late goal in the match.
“Miranchuk’s goal is significant, but it is useless to comment on it. He is very sensitive, shy and he is living this moment with enormous particularity.”
The Atalanta general manager discussed the upcoming Europa League Round of 16 match against Bayer Leverkusen.
“Along with West Ham, they are the strongest team we could have faced. It’s nice to face strong teams, it’s an incentive, it will be a spectacle.”
Finally, Marino discussed Atalanta’s upcoming match against Roma.
“I agree with Allegri’s statements, we’re playing for the European train, it would be nice to stay in the fight for the Champions League, we’ll play until the end, the season is very long.”
The first leg of Atalanta’s Round of 16 clash against Bayer Leverkusen kicks off on March 10 in Bergamo and the return leg comes a week later on March 17 in Germany. In between those games they’ll face Genoa.
#AtalantaSampdoria, parla il direttore #Marino dopo il 4-0 🗣️https://t.co/56nn25fzhE
— CalcioNews24.com (@CalcioNews24) February 28, 2022