Before the Coppa final in Riyadh, Gasperini spoke to the press today.
It is the first time you play against Inter under normal circumstances:
“That's how it is, after this series of results in the league and the fact that we are at the top, it is an important match for us, even if it is different from the league. It will be different, it is a match of 90 minutes, in which you're playing for a one-off elimination and that has to be looked at from a different perspective.”
How do you explain the problems you've had with Inter in the past?
“First of all, we have to think about what Inter have done in the last three years. They are the strongest team. The last two games were the most difficult, the others were more balanced and we will have to be careful not to suffer.” Initially, as happened in the last two games, stay in the game a little longer, Inter will be difficult to recover if they take the lead.”
Atalanta is one of the big teams, the only one of the four to win in Europe. How much pride is there?
“Many Italian teams in Europe had been absent for a long time because of victories. That they had done this, especially because of the path taken in the Europa League, with a competitive path, was a source of great pride and also an important point for our path. “
How are you?
“We arrived last night, it's all a bit new. We've seen this ultra-modern city that we didn't expect, it's a competition that we'll be participating in for the next few hours: played like this, far from home and all the fans, it's a bit strange. We will get into the mood as we get closer. It is a very important match, but tomorrow is a semi-final: it will also be important for us to get back into the competition when we play against Juventus and Udinese and Napoli in a week get the trophy, but also test how competitive this team is, also in terms of the competition. Then the result becomes even more important.”
What impression do you have of Saudi football?
“First of all, thank you for the way you received us. For me it was really a surprise, even though we have seen little. It was not easy for us to imagine it. Returning to the match, we are all playing on our best. even if it has arrived at some point as a date, but we will do everything we can to have the maximum chance of winning this cup. The first obstacle will be at Inter: we plan to do it with the whole team to play, with the starting eleven and the five substitutions, to be able to do that throughout the round.”
Could this be Zaniolo's first start?
“I haven't made a decision yet, he is not the only one: there are Brescianini, Samardzic, Scalvini. Depending on the championship, we need more competitive players because we will meet other high-quality teams.”
The relationship with Lee Congerton?
“He left a year and a half ago, he worked with us for a year because he profitably contributed to the growth of the team. Among them all, he deserves the credit for bringing Lookman from Leipzig, he met him in Leicester and believed in him a lot. That alone was enough.”
How important is it for Atalanta to be in Saudi Arabia and grow their fan base?
“We have played three finals in 2024: Coppa Italia, Europa League, European Super Cup. This is the fourth final in a few months. Playing these types of matches gives prestige to the club, value for the players and satisfaction for all of us .” These are competitions that are widely watched all over the world, where you want to make a good impression and be at your best. It is important that we are here, it will be even more important to win.”
Comments