Gian Piero Gasperini assures Atalanta are incapable of playing for the draw against Ajax. ‘We cannot just defend, we have to push forward and score goals.’
It kicks off on Wednesday at 17.55 GMT in Amsterdam and La Dea need to avoid defeat in order to reach the Round of 16.
“It’s difficult when going into this type of game. It certainly won’t be 0-0, because that doesn’t fit with the mentality of either team,” Gasp told Sky Sport Italia.
Gian Piero Gasperini assures Atalanta are incapable of playing for the draw against Ajax. ‘We cannot just defend, we have to push forward and score goals.’
It kicks off on Wednesday at 17.55 GMT in Amsterdam and La Dea need to avoid defeat in order to reach the Round of 16.
“It’s difficult when going into this type of game. It certainly won’t be 0-0, because that doesn’t fit with the mentality of either team,” Gasp told Sky Sport Italia.
“We are better at taking the initiative and attacking rather than defending a result, and the same goes for Ajax. We must therefore try to make the most of this small advantage, which is that we can count on two out of three results.
“If we sit back and try to just soak up their initiative, then it’s unlikely we’ll get through to the next round. We cannot just defend, we have to push forward and score goals.”
Atalanta are well-rested, as Sunday’s Serie A match with Udinese was postponed due to a waterlogged pitch.
“Playing in those conditions would’ve been very risky. Meanwhile, I’ve been able to get some players back, so that’s good.
“We just have to focus on playing our game. Let’s be honest, we’d have been happy going into the final group game with this scenario, as we’re guaranteed the Europa League either way and need one point for the Round of 16.”
Atalanta fought back from 2-0 down to draw 2-2 with Ajax in Bergamo earlier in the group.
“That match gave us a certain satisfaction and it followed the identities of the two teams, so I don’t expect many differences.
“We have a clear objective in our minds, I am convinced we have what it takes to achieve it and I don’t think the lads need me to work on their mentality.”