Gian Piero Gasperini explains how Atalanta transfer activity is bringing ‘tactical alternatives’ against Cagliari, while updating Josip Ilicic’s current condition. ‘He has to focus on looking after himself.’
It kicks off on Sunday at 11.30 GMT and finally La Dea have practically a full squad to choose from after the COVID-19 outbreak passed.
Duvan Zapata also returns to the squad, albeit on the bench, but Ilicic is still out of action as he continues the struggle with mental health issues, so has been left off the Europa League squad list too.
“At this moment, Ilicic has to focus on looking after himself. The only important thing is that he is well,” said Gasperini in the press conference.
“We have a lot of big games coming up, including the knockout rounds in the Coppa Italia and Europa League. Cagliari do not deserve to be in their current position and there are always unknowns after a break for international duty, so we cannot take this match lightly.”
Robin Gosens left Atalanta to join Inter, while Roberto Piccoli moved to Genoa on loan, bringing in Jeremie Boga from Sassuolo.
“The team now has the option of playing with various tactical alternatives,” explained Gasperini.
“We are up there too and have what it takes to do well. Napoli, Juventus, Inter, Milan and Roma buy players for sums that we cannot afford, but we have to focus on ourselves.
“Gosens has been extraordinary for Atalanta, we can only thank him and wish him the best going forward in his career. We have many left-footed players, so Valentin Mihaila was a search for more balance.”
Without any goalless draws for months on end, Atalanta have played out a couple of 0-0 results recently.
“I always said that if you want to win, you have to score goals, otherwise at best you’ll draw. Atalanta have always approached games trying to win and that is a very big difference between playing to win and playing for the draw.”
Atalanta-Cagliari, Gasperini: “Zapata almeno in panchina, Boga già utile”
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➖#SkySport #SerieA #SkySerieA #Atalanta #Cagliari #Gasperini #Zapata #Boga https://t.co/L73oXs8QU3— skysport (@SkySport) February 5, 2022