Gian Piero Gasperini insists Atalanta are not obliged to win the Europa League, but the competition will become their priority if they qualify for the semi-finals.
La Dea host RB Leipzig at the Gewiss Stadium tomorrow after a 1-1 draw in Germany in the first leg of the Europa League quarter-finals last week.
“Leipzig are a dangerous opponent. Both teams want to win; we’ll try to reach the semi-finals,” Gasperini said at a press conference.
“I can’t predict what will happen tomorrow, it would be fantastic to go to the semis, but at this stage of the competition, games are always balanced. We must have quality and make the most of positive moments.
“We were one minute away from the Champions League semi-finals two years ago. It was the highest point we’ve reached so far. Everyone will remember us if we qualify for the semis this time.”
Atalanta lost three of their last five Serie A games and are currently out of a European placement. Has the Europa League become their priority?
“We can still qualify for Europe through the league, but Europa League will become our priority if we qualify for the semis,” Gasperini admitted.
“Toloi won’t recover, we’ll assess Djimsiti and Freuler today, but they could be available. Zapata has overcome his physical problems and has recovered.
“It’s tough for teams like Atalanta to win trophies, so we are not obliged to win the Europa League. It’s an opportunity. We must focus on the next game and go as far as we can. From what we’ve shown so far, we have already won.”
I would love for Atalanta to win but unfortunately I know how this song goes. Leipzig will end up winning this tie and it will be another case of close but not enough for Serie A. Good luck to them though.
A coach with a weak mentality and no ambition.. He succeeded with Atlanta, but he did not continue.. Next season, Atlanta may not exist in Europe.