“The Europa League semi-final would be a fantastic achievement.” Gian Piero Gasperini charges Atalanta on the eve of the quarter-final return match against Leipzig. “Seen from where we come from, being at this point is already a victory – says the Dea coach -. The highest point reached was two years ago, when we reached a minute from the Champions League semifinal. But also a semifinal of Europe. League would remain written in the annals. Tomorrow there is only one useful result: we must try to win, no doubt, playing with quality and technique, exploiting our characteristics. ” On the opponent, with whom he drew 1-1 in the first leg, a few words: “At Leipzig, not too much field should be left, but at these levels it is a bit for everyone – he explains -. At this point in the competition the matches are balanced. : we must take advantage of the favorable moments and withstand the impact of the opponent “. At the moment not in the league, the Bergamo coach is clear: “Villarreal have accomplished an extraordinary feat by eliminating Bayern from the Champions League, but maybe they pay for their mid-week efforts on Sunday. It happens to many, not just us.” Finally, on the singles: “Toloi is not recoverable, Djimsiti and Freuler we try them in finishing – Gasperini closes -. Zapata had physical problems, now he has overcome them. He is ready to play”.
Zappacosta, pass those who make less mistakes – “There is no secret to moving forward in the Europa League and winning it like I did. You have to stay focused and on track for ninety minutes.” Davide Zappacosta, the day before Atalanta-Leipzig to snatch the ticket for the semi-finals of the competition, remembers the trophy he won at Chelsea in 2019: “For me, the one who misses less wins – observes the Nerazzurri winger -. There were several matches of suffering with episodes turned in our favor, risking to go out with Eintracht in the semifinal won on penalties “. On tactics, poised between the 4-2-3-1 of the first leg at the Red Bull Arena and the possible return to 3-4-1-2: “There is no difference between a three or four defense: attention must be paid to the defensive phase as well as to the proactive one “. Zappacosta comments on the bad moment in the championship: “In the locker room you can breathe regret and anger, to be translated into positive energies: in a match from inside and outside it is normal – he closes -. The full stadium will be a great boost. The Atalanta fans are very warm , we will have to remain lucid and look for the motivations in ourselves “.
Source: Ansa
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