Gian Piero Gasperini reveals he asked Ukraine international Ruslan Malinovskyi if he felt ready to play against Olympiacos in the Europa League play-off. ‘His parents and family are still there.’
It was a comfortable victory in Athens, following on from the more hard-fought 2-1 result in Bergamo, as Joakim Maehle and a Ruslan Malinovskyi brace secured the 5-1 aggregate victory.
“It’s a good result that allows us to qualify for the Round of 16 of a tournament where we want to do well,” Gasperini told Sky Sport Italia.
Europa League | Olympiacos 0-3 Atalanta: Malinovskyi magic in Athens
“It was not easy in a fiery atmosphere, but we put in a good performance. Reaching this stage is an achievement, we’ll see what the draw gives us tomorrow.”
Atalanta are at least progressing in Europe, even if they are without a win in five Serie A rounds.
“It has been a tricky month for us and the performances weren’t that bad, but we are up there and happy to keep trying our best.”
Luis Muriel was added to the injury list, leaving Atalanta with no recognised strikers, so Mario Pasalic worked as False 9 today.
“Those absences do make themselves felt. We’ve never made it an alibi and played for the win against Lazio, Inter and Juventus, going close to a victory too. We will always have the dignity to play our games with heads held high.”
Malinovskyi scored a brace this evening and showed a message calling for an end to war in his beloved Ukraine.
“We are all going through a difficult moment right now and it’s even more so for him,” added Gasperini.
“This morning I asked him if he felt ready to play, because he has his parents and other family members in Ukraine at the moment.
“Football cannot resolve problems, but I hope it can give a small contribution to make everyone feel closer together.”
#UEL | @Atalanta_BC, le parole di #Gasperini dopo la vittoria contro l’@olympiacosfc https://t.co/OLYN5r7Gn7
— Gianluca Di Marzio (@DiMarzio) February 24, 2022
Wonderful player, hope Ukraine survives this brutal aggression.