Gian Piero Gasperini concedes Sassuolo will be ‘tricky to interpret on a tactical level’ tomorrow, but Atalanta have ‘recharged the batteries.’
It kicks off on Sunday at 14.00 GMT, click here for a match preview.
“This is a new beginning and the last week has been very handy for everyone before we go into another tour de force,” said the coach in his press conference.
Gian Piero Gasperini concedes Sassuolo will be ‘tricky to interpret on a tactical level’ tomorrow, but Atalanta have ‘recharged the batteries.’
It kicks off on Sunday at 14.00 GMT, click here for a match preview.
“This is a new beginning and the last week has been very handy for everyone before we go into another tour de force,” said the coach in his press conference.
“Despite it being a shorter break than usual at Christmas, I must say we do feel ready to get back on the field. We’re in a good position, recent performances have been positive and we recharged the batteries for Serie A, the Coppa Italia and Champions League.
“Football matches are a little strange this season, as we dominated Bologna for most of the game and were 2-0 up, but it ended 2-2. You have to stay switched on for the entire 90 minutes.
“Sassuolo are a quality squad and always tricky to interpret on a tactical level. I do see similarities between the clubs, as we are the closest after the powerhouses of Milan, Rome and Naples.
“The mentality with which we approach this latest phase of the season will be crucial. It’s a more balanced league than usual, there are minnows taking points off more ambitious sides, so it’s more difficult and consequently more interesting too.”
Gasperini could not escape from questions about Papu Gomez, who is training separately from the rest of the team and remains effectively frozen out.
“I have no answers that could help you on this. We are preparing a game tomorrow, then another in three days and another in a week. Those are our objectives. I don’t believe this situation will weigh on the team, though.
“Josip Ilicic is a fully-recovered player, he is taking risks with the ball, and that means he can lose it sometimes, but that was always the case. It’s important that we have alternatives in all the roles so everyone can contribute and be in good shape. The same goes for Luis Muriel and Duvan Zapata.”