Gian Piero Gasperini celebrates Atalanta’s record-breaking campaign and securing a top four finish for the second year running, as they host Bologna tomorrow. ‘It was not a fluke.’
It kicks off on Tuesday at 18.30 UK time (17.30 GMT) at the Gewiss Stadium in Bergamo.
For the third time in four seasons, La Dea have secured their place in the top four of Serie A.
Gian Piero Gasperini celebrates Atalanta’s record-breaking campaign and securing a top four finish for the second year running, as they host Bologna tomorrow. ‘It was not a fluke.’
It kicks off on Tuesday at 18.30 UK time (17.30 GMT) at the Gewiss Stadium in Bergamo.
For the third time in four seasons, La Dea have secured their place in the top four of Serie A.
“It’s a huge result, we are very happy to be there with four rounds to spare, as it was much tighter in previous years. It’s a sign of the constant growth of this side and confirmation at the top level,” said Gasp in his press conference.
“It was not a fluke, so that makes it even more satisfying. This Atalanta team has set many new records, both club records and in Serie A, so we hope to keep going at this pace.
“We have more games coming up and will give our all in those, not just as preparation for the Champions League, but also out of personal satisfaction for more results in a very special season.
“It’s a tough fixture list, but we’ve seen over the last few weeks that each game has its own hidden dangers. We’ve won seven games and drawn two, despite taking the lead against Juventus and Verona, so will try to remain focused.
“Playing this frequently causes issues for everyone, but we are all in the same boat.”
Bologna are out to prove a point after their 5-1 hammering at the hands of Milan.
“Sometimes it can be a benefit to play immediately after a defeat, as you want to get back out there and make up for it. We know there are only a couple of weeks left in this season and every match will be important.
“Playing in the sun is certainly more difficult and takes more out of you, but I liked the performances from the team and we had many chances to win it with Verona, it’s a good result against a side in excellent shape. Naturally, we didn’t have the sharpness we might do in an evening game.
“It’s tiring sometimes just to watch them run, but these lads have really been beyond reproach and deserve credit for their attitude and behaviour, not just now, but throughout these difficult circumstances. They set a great example for the rest of football.”
The full squad is available other than Josip Ilicic, who is on a separate training programme to be in top shape for the Champions League in August.
Atalanta squad for Bologna: Rossi, Sportiello, Gollini; Toloi, Caldara, Sutalo, Palomino, Czyborra, Gosens, Djimsiti, Castagne, Bellanova; Tameze, Freuler, De Roon, Malinovskyi, Da Riva, Pasalic; Muriel, Gomez, Piccoli, Colley, Duvan Zapata