Gian Piero Gasperini warns Atalanta ‘were burned’ by fumbling points to Verona and must avoid a similar fate when hosting Empoli. ‘We need to win.’
It kicks off at the Gewiss Stadium on Sunday at 19.45 UK time (18.45 GMT).
La Dea are on a roll at the moment, reaching the Europa League semi-final and the Coppa Italia Final, while they are only four points behind fifth-placed Roma in Serie A – with a game in hand.
Some squad rotation seems natural after Wednesday’s dramatic Coppa Italia win over Fiorentina, especially with Emil Holm and Rafael Toloi injured.
“We have faith that Giorgio Scalvini and Sead Kolasinac will be available, they looked good in training,” said Gasperini in his press conference.
“Kolasinac has been decisive for us, he settled in so quickly and really encapsulates our values. We might be able to get Toloi back for the final games, but Holm is trickier. Jose Luis Palomino has not been training with us for weeks and is no longer part of the squad.”
Although Atalanta raise their game for the big tests, they recently dropped a 2-0 lead to draw 2-2 with Verona, one of several big results minnows have had in recent weeks.
“We were burned by Verona at home, we were winning 2-0 and were held to a draw. We fumbled those two points, so we need to win this game to get away from the chasing back and close up as much as possible with those ahead of us,” added the coach.
“It is certainly going to be difficult, as Davide Nicola had some incredible results in recent years and even travelled from Crotone to Turin by bicycle to celebrate them achieving safety.”
Gasperini rotates Atalanta
Gianluca Scamacca will be suspended for the Coppa Italia Final, so it might be an opportunity to get El Bilal Toure accustomed to a starting role.
“It is fundamental we have lots of options in attack who can all give their contribution. I am concerned by the possibility of injuries, even minor ones, as that is the risk when you play so often.
“The team always had a good attitude, the fans appreciated that and never lacked for support.”
Gasperini is still in the running for the Europa League, Coppa Italia and a top five Serie A finish that would secure Champions League qualification.
However, he warns too much is expected of an Atalanta side with such a small budget.
“The season so far has been very positive. At times, people almost wait for Atalanta to fall.”