Atalanta boss Gian Piero Gasperini is prioritising the Coppa Italia ahead of tomorrow’s semi-final with Fiorentina. “It’s a great opportunity to get to the Final.”
The first leg ended 3-3 in Florence and the decider will be on Thursday evening in Bergamo.
“We have to play as we did in the League,” said Gasp in his Press conference, referring to his side’s 3-1 Serie A win over the Viola last month.
Atalanta boss Gian Piero Gasperini is prioritising the Coppa Italia ahead of tomorrow’s semi-final with Fiorentina. “It’s a great opportunity to get to the Final.”
The first leg ended 3-3 in Florence and the decider will be on Thursday evening in Bergamo.
“We have to play as we did in the League,” said Gasp in his Press conference, referring to his side’s 3-1 Serie A win over the Viola last month.
“We respect Fiorentina, but we have a great opportunity to get to the Final. The change of Coach from Stefano Pioli to Vincenzo Montella doesn’t mean anything.
“The characteristics of the team remain the same. In any case, we know what their strengths are. We’ll need to concentrate on our performance.”
The Coach was then asked if he would prefer lifting the Coppa or qualifying for next season’s Champions League.
“Today we’re only thinking about the Coppa Italia, we’ll focus on the rest from Friday.”
Finally, he praised the work of former youth academy director Mino Favini, who died on Tuesday, but was a major contributor to La Dea’s famed youth set-up for 25 years.
“He dedicated his life to young players with the aim of making them grow, not only on the field, but also away from the pitch, with education, discipline, and respect,” concluded Gasperini.
“He had all of those things. He was someone who laid the foundations of our future. We will remember him and I’m sure from now on he will give us a boost from up there.”
Rafael Toloi and Hans Hateboer are suspended.
Atalanta squad for Fiorentina: Berisha, Rossi, Gollini; Masiello, Palomino, Reca, Gosens, Djimsiti, Castagne, Mancini, Ibanez; Freuler, De Roon, Pessina, Colpani, Delprato, Pasalic; Gomez, Piccoli, Ilicic, Zapata, Cambiaghi, Barrow