Gian Piero Gasperini respects Sassuolo, but won’t let go of his irritation after Atalanta lost to Napoli amid controversy.
It kicks off on Saturday at 17.00 GMT, click here for a match preview.
“Sassuolo are in good shape physically and last week held Torino to a very impressive draw, as they could’ve won that game,” said Gasp in a Press conference on his birthday.
Gian Piero Gasperini respects Sassuolo, but won’t let go of his irritation after Atalanta lost to Napoli amid controversy.
It kicks off on Saturday at 17.00 GMT, click here for a match preview.
“Sassuolo are in good shape physically and last week held Torino to a very impressive draw, as they could’ve won that game,” said Gasp in a Press conference on his birthday.
“The Neroverdi have largely maintained the same approach and tactics that took them to Europa League qualification.”
Atalanta are fresh from a controversial defeat to Serie A leaders Napoli, as Gasperini has still not forgiven the possible Dries Mertens offside call.
“They tried to explain to me that the goal was valid and there is tolerance for 3cm, but in the meeting all the Lega Serie A Coaches had with Nicola Rizzoli and the referees on Monday, nobody mentioned that.
“The fact remains we lost to an offside goal. People are not led around by the nose, they can tell that we’re into the most difficult part of the season and that’s why the protests are stepping up too.”
Gasperini was in no mood to be generous to his own players either, as Andrea Petagna could be dropped again in favour of Andreas Cornelius.
“It’s not obligatory for him to play. If he trained well, then he’ll be there, if he didn’t train well then that’s a problem for him. His approach against Roma was unacceptable, it was like playing with nine men.”
Leonardo Spinazzola is out injured with long-term absentee Timo Letschert.
Atalanta squad for Sassuolo: Berisha, Gollini, Rossi; Caldara, Castagne, Gosens, Hateboer, Mancini, Masiello, Palomino, Toloi; Cristante, De Roon, Freuler, Haas, Melegoni, Schmidt; Barrow, Cornelius, Gomez, Ilicic, Orsolini, Petagna