Atalanta coach Gian Piero Gasperini is happy to have Jose Luis Palomino back in the squad ahead of Manchester United’s visit in Bergamo and believes the Orobici ‘can qualify’ from the group.
The Orobici coach spoke to Sky Sport Italia ahead of the big game against Manchester United in the Champions League on Tuesday.
The first game ended in a 3-2 defeat, despite being up 2-0 at half-time, and Gasperini said the team must prepare well for the next two games before they will recover some players during the international break.
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“We recover Palomino and that’s already a success,” Gasperini told Sky Sport Italia. “In this last period, we have had many absences in defence, but we have managed them well and we have adapted.
“Now we must face Manchester and Cagliari, then after the break everyone will be available.”
United bounced back from the heavy defeat to Liverpool with a 3-0 win against Tottenham and Gasperini is aware of the value of Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s side.
“United have an absolute value, with ups and downs,” Gasperini continued. “They lost badly against Liverpool and then beat Tottenham well.
“The squad is of a world class level, but we want to impose our game too. They have many alternatives and they have also changed shape.
“I don’t know how they will be tomorrow; we must be careful and give 100 per cent.”
Antonio Conte had been linked with a move to United but seems set to sign a deal with Tottenham Hotspur.
Gasperini praised the former Inter coach and said he is ‘happy’ for the former Italy CT.
“I’m happy for Antonio,” Gasperini continued. “If he goes there, he has achieved what he hoped for.
“He will do an excellent job as always, he’s great.”
The Orobici coach admitted the season has been difficult due to injuries and absences so far this term.
“The absences were a problem, since they were all in defence,” he said. “For some players, however, it was an opportunity.
“We are in a phase of the season where we are in the Champions League zone in the championship, in Europe we will have decisive games and we can qualify.
“With two wins in three games it would be almost mathematical. The season is good, considering everything that has happened. The expectations are always high for us.”
Napoli and Milan have created a gap at the top in Serie A but Gasperini stressed the season is long and hopes to join the teams in front.
“They are doing incredible things, the only ones who can hope are Inter,” he said. “But they have to slow down, they are having an extraordinary championship.
“There are strong teams, who have approached the European zone. We must be aware of their means; the championship is still long.”
Teun Koopmeiners has played in all three Champions League games so far and Gasperini believes the 23-year-old is a future leader of the Orobici.
“He’s still a young player but has great personality,” Gasperini added. “He’s growing considerably and arrived with great credentials.
“He will be a leader of Atalanta in the future and is – even now – a very important player for us.”