Davide Zappacosta admits Atalanta are still angry about their defeat against Sassuolo but remembers his victory in the Europa League with Chelsea: ‘There are no secrets…’

The Italian full-back faced the media at a pre-match press conference ahead of the second leg of the Europa League quarter-finals against RB Leipzig.

Gasperini: ‘Atalanta not obliged to win Europa League, but…’

Atalanta picked up a 1-1 draw in Germany last week and need a win to go to the semi-finals tomorrow. Gian Piero Gasperini claimed that La Dea can still qualify for Europe through Serie A, but their priority will become the Europa League if they book a spot in the semis.

“Every player knows how to handle the pressure and it’s positive because tension can always bring something more,” Zappacosta said, as quoted by Tuttoatalanta.

“We must be focused and remain lucid, playing in the best possible way.”

Atalanta lost three of their last five Serie A games, including the last away match at Sassuolo.

“Of course we are angry, but we must transform it into positive energy. We expect a tough game, we must turn things around and forget about the game with Sassuolo,” the defender said.

Zappacosta was part of the Chelsea squad that conquered the Europa League in 2019 under Maurizio Sarri. What’s the secret to winning the competition?

“I was lucky enough to win with Chelsea. I remember that episodes helped us in certain games. There are no secrets, you must have favourable episodes in knock-out games. Emotions play an important role and only the teams that never give up go all the way through.”

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