Atalanta director Umberto Marino targets the Europa League semi-final and confirms co-owner Stephen Pagliuca won’t ignore them if he purchases Chelsea as well.
The first leg with RB Leipzig ended 1-1 in Germany, while the decider kicks off in Bergamo at 17.45 UK time (16.45 GMT).
You can follow all the build-up and action as it happens on the LIVEBLOG.
“It is an emotional day, because reaching the quarter-finals and challenging for the semi-final gives you great hope,” Marino told Sky Sport Italia.
“The lads are very motivated, the coach prepared them well, everyone here is ready for a special evening.”
Pagliuca became co-owner of Atalanta last month with a large investment and is now one of the candidates to buy out Premier League giants Chelsea from Roman Abramovich.
Fans are worried that the investment they had hoped for Atalanta could instead go towards London, but Marino reassured everyone, especially as Pagliuca is attending today’s game at the Gewiss Stadium.
“We are glad to have Stephen and his son in the stands today. The message is clear, the Percassi and Pagliuca family want a strong Atalanta both on the field and off, in Italy and if we do well also in Europe.
“Everyone is concentrated on this game and trying to reach the next round. We all want to support Atalanta, because this squad deserves so much.”
Antonio Percassi presenta ai tifosi nerazzurri il nuovo co-presidente Stephen Pagliuca pic.twitter.com/69fElJESDo
— TuttoAtalanta.com (@tuttoatalanta) April 14, 2022