Davide Zappacosta assures Atalanta won’t try to sit on their 3-2 lead in the Europa League Round of 16 against Bayer Leverkusen. ‘It isn’t in our nature and it doesn’t work.’
The second leg kicks off at 17.45 GMT, you can follow all the build-up and action as it happens on the LIVEBLOG.
Europa and Conference Liveblog: Bayer Leverkusen-Atalanta and Roma-Vitesse
La Dea won the first leg 3-2 in Bergamo, so with the away goals rule abolished, they will go to extra time if they lose here by a one-goal margin, otherwise must lose by two clear goals to be eliminated.
“It is a great pleasure for us to see so many Atalanta fans here and that is just one of the reasons we will give our all on the pitch,” Zappacosta told Sky Sport Italia.
“It will be a usual Atalanta approach, we will battle to win the game, not consider the idea we have two out of three results at our disposal.
“Controlling a lead isn’t in our nature, especially as we proved many times in the past that when we try that, it doesn’t work. So we must try to be Atalanta for 90 minutes.”
Bayer Leverkusen are still missing Patrik Schick, plus Jeremie Frimpong and Florian Wirtz were ruled out for the rest of the season with injuries at the weekend.
“I saw Bayer lost two players, it is above all disappointing for Wirtz, as he is so young and it’s a serious injury, we wish him all the best. Nonetheless, they have quality players and play good football, so we need to be wary.”
Can Atalanta go far in the Europa League, potentially even all the way this season?
“If we do what we need to tonight, it would be a good signal going forward.”
Zappacosta was asked if he is expecting a call-up from Roberto Mancini and Italy for the World Cup play-offs against North Macedonia and either Portugal or Turkey.
“I always try to give my all for Atalanta. The Nazionale makes you proud, but I am focused on doing all I can for Atalanta this season.”