Gian Piero Gasperini sees Atalanta and Roma sharing a similar “philosophy” ahead of their showdown for European places.
It kicks off at 14.00 GMT, click here for a match preview.
This is a head-to-head for European ambitions, because a win would allow Atalanta to leapfrog Roma into fifth place and move within a point of Milan in fourth.
Gian Piero Gasperini sees Atalanta and Roma sharing a similar “philosophy” ahead of their showdown for European places.
It kicks off at 14.00 GMT, click here for a match preview.
This is a head-to-head for European ambitions, because a win would allow Atalanta to leapfrog Roma into fifth place and move within a point of Milan in fourth.
“It’s wonderful to be in this type of situation and even better if we get the victory,” said the Coach in his Press conference.
“At this moment there are many teams crammed together in a handful of points, so it’s too early to talk about objectives. I think from February onwards it’ll start to stretch out a bit.
“Undoubtedly, the fact we are the most prolific side in Serie A has allowed us to pick up many points and win many games, so we can continue to build on that.
“I like Roma’s philosophy, the way they have improved over the season and how Di Francesco works. The fact we are up there battling for position with Roma, who were in the Champions League semi-final last term, is something we earned.
“A game like this is ideal for measuring ourselves up against a side with quality, courage and strong players all over the field. This is a team built to be a regular in the Champions League.”
Gasperini celebrated his 61st birthday on Saturday and spoke to Tuttosport about his career path.
“The only disturbing thing about turning 61 is nobody will give me a long mortgage deal now… I don’t know what I would’ve done if I wasn’t a football Coach, but I certainly would’ve needed my freedom.
“I’ve been fortunate in my career. The only setbacks were at Palermo and Inter, but then I don’t even consider Inter because it was too brief.
“The Nerazzurri were in crisis and I wanted to change the system that was no longer working. However, (then President Massimo) Moratti was still so attached to the approach that had given him so much joy in the past and he struggled to let it go.
“Palermo was a strange experience. I couldn’t give all of myself, as I lost both my parents in the space of 25 days. I wasn’t able to focus.”
It’s difficult to recall now, but Gasperini was on the verge of being sacked in the first few weeks of his Atalanta tenure.
“I remember that I called (President Antonio) Percassi the night before the Napoli game to tell him we’d start all the kids: Petagna, Gagliardini, Conti, Kessie and Caldara. He didn’t say a word. Only two days later did he confess he hadn’t slept a wink. I was sure that was the right path for Atalanta, though.
“The President continually tells me to sign a lifetime contract, but I know too well that results are what count in football.”
Atalanta squad for Roma: Barrow, Berisha, Castagne, De Roon, Djimsiti, Freuler, Gollini, Gomez, Gosens, Hateboer, Ilicic, Kulusevski, Mancini, Masiello, Palomino, Pasalic, Pessina, Piccoli, Reca, Toloi, Zapata