Gian Piero Gasperini accepts it is win or bust for Atalanta as he hopes they make up for their “worst game of the last few years” against Dinamo Zagreb.
Dinamo romped to a 4-0 win when they first met Atalanta in the Champions League, and La Dea went on to lose their next two fixtures in the group.
However, they recorded their first point against Manchester City last time out and can stay in the competition with victory tomorrow.
“We have only one result to stay in [the competition],” Gasperini said at a press conference.
Gian Piero Gasperini accepts it is win or bust for Atalanta as he hopes they make up for their “worst game of the last few years” against Dinamo Zagreb.
Dinamo romped to a 4-0 win when they first met Atalanta in the Champions League, and La Dea went on to lose their next two fixtures in the group.
However, they recorded their first point against Manchester City last time out and can stay in the competition with victory tomorrow.
“We have only one result to stay in [the competition],” Gasperini said at a press conference.
“We played well against City last time out, but our first game against Dinamo [Zagreb] was our worst of the last few years.
“They even let us play in our usual way [in the first game], with very high pressing that put us in huge difficulty.
“We couldn’t find a breakthrough, but tomorrow will be another kind of game so we will have to adapt. We understand the situation very well.”
Atalanta will again be without chief marksman Duvan Zapata, who has missed their last nine matches.
“The problem of [Duvan] Zapata does not exist because there is no problem, tomorrow he will not be there. We can win by having a great game in all aspects.
“We were able to show, even in Zagreb, that we can create chances. We have to take six points from our last two games.”
Josip Ilicic missed a vital penalty in the 2-1 defeat to Shakhtar Donetsk on matchday two, so has the coach decided on a penalty taker?
“We hope to have one soon. It is clear that we have missed many penalties, which has prevented us from gaining results. It is always a great opportunity.”
Musa Barrow started against Juventus due to the absences of Ilicic and Zapata, while Luis Muriel was only fit enough for the bench, so will the youngster be an option on Tuesday?
“At a time when there is no Zapata, it is an opportunity for him.”