In the second part of his exclusive interview with Football Italia, Massimo Donati previews Atalanta's trip to Real Madrid tonight and says Celtic were ‘as organised as Milan.’
Donati, a former Atalanta and Celtic midfielder, who is now working as a pundit for DAZN Italia, discussed the impact of Christian Eriksen at Inter and said the Nerazzurri have the Scudetto in their pocket.
In the second part of his exclusive interview with Football Italia, Massimo Donati previews Atalanta's trip to Real Madrid tonight and says Celtic were ‘as organised as Milan.’
Donati, a former Atalanta and Celtic midfielder, who is now working as a pundit for DAZN Italia, discussed the impact of Christian Eriksen at Inter and said the Nerazzurri have the Scudetto in their pocket.
Tonight, Atalanta face Real Madrid in the decider of the Champions League round of 16. What game do you expect?
“I think Atalanta must do what they are good at doing. Unfortunately, the first leg was ruined by that red card and we couldn’t see Atalanta’s real potential.
“Their intensity can create trouble for Real Madrid. The Merengues will try to keep the ball possession. They are comfortable, they have no fear to play the ball, but if Atalanta are on their day, they can make a great game.
“Don’t forget they beat Liverpool away, imposing their rhythm and pace.”
What would you tell the players before the game if you were Gian Piero Gasperini?
“First of all, I’ll tell them to have fun. And the second thing is that this is a game every footballer dreams of playing, against Real Madrid in the Champions League.
“Maybe somebody won’t have another chance to face them in the same competition. There are games where talking is not too important, and that’s one of them.”
You spent two years at Celtic as a footballer. How was that experience?
“It was amazing. I played the Champions League with them and there were some thrilling games in that competition.
“The club is incredible. It was as organised as Milan when I left. The stadium, the fans, even their jersey. Everything was great. Just like their culture, I only have great memories.”
It must have been sad to see Rangers win the league for you.
“Yes, a little bit, especially because Celtic couldn’t win the tenth title in a row, but Rangers deserve credit because they had an awesome season. It’s a pity Celtic couldn’t make it.”
Did Steven Gerrard surprise you? Do you see any similarities with Andrea Pirlo?
“There aren’t too many differences, I believe he had only coached Liverpool youth teams before Rangers appointed him. He had little experience, but just like Pirlo, he played football at the highest level and knows what to do.
“He arrived in Scotland with his ideas and principles, and he made the difference with them. He had good footballers, but it’s not enough. A coach must find a way to make those players emerge and succeed. He managed to do both, and he won the title in his second season at the club.”