As per usual, coach Gian Piero Gasperini spoke on the eve of the match: from the match against Milan to the latest Serie A TIM efforts, from the records still to be improved before focusing on the Champions League Final-8 against PSG.
Here is the interview with the Nerazzurri coach.
Coach, it’s the last three matches of the league, which are three significant efforts, starting from the forthcoming fixture against Milan.
“It’s the season finale, the league is wrapping up in one week. Hopefully we can wrap it up in the best possible way, for how we played after the restart. These are important tests. We’ll face Milan, who are the team who have got the most points, like us, in this period. This match is a great incitement, as it is worth for both teams for their tables. We’ll see. Perhaps they’re the most difficult opponent at this time”.
Milan want direct access to the Europa League, hence they’ll be highly motivated and, as you said, in form.
“Milan did well in the last matches, both regarding the result and the performance. They’re probably the fittest team at the moment. Hence, it’ll be a very important match for us, for everything, for the league, for the Champions League. We’ll play in a prestigious stadium, where we played some good matches also in the Champions League, this will make us feel a little bit at home”.
Atalanta as well have their target to achieve. They have achieved many this season, also in the previous ones. This year was all about improving records after records.
“We currently sit in second place. It’d be a huge result for us, as I understand that for someone who’s fighting for the Scudetto is being the first of the losers, but for us, who have never finished second and last year’s 3rd place was Atalanta’s best ever result, three years ago’s fourth place was the second best. Hence, we’ll try to go for it. It’s fair that we try in every way. That would be an enormous achievement for us”.
How are the sore ones doing?
“Fine. It seems that they have recovered. They had some contusion that may occur during games, but they look okay today”.
You said that you’re going back to San Siro, we played some good matches there, UCL memories. It’s the final three matches, then you’ll have the Champions League. Physically this league finale was very demanding. How tiring was it, mentally, seen the upcoming Champions League quarter-finals target in August?
“This team have always set goals along the way. They have always had the ability to improve themselves and to think game by game. Now we sit at the top end of the table, we have to prepare for the Champions League, but our spirit is to face one episode at a time and try to get some teaching and strength from each”.
Atalanta will face Milan tomorrow and also Paris Saint-Germain will take to the pitch, as they have to play in the final of the French Cup. You can’t watch it live, but you’ll record it of course.
“Yes, but it’s a team we’re getting to know, although we already knew them. We’re obviously starting to get into detail now, some really strong players play for them, among the best. It’s a team that wants to win the Champions League, after many years dominating in France. There was some euphoria from somebody, during the draw, but we know that the match is going to be very difficult. This doesn’t mean that we won’t get there with our strengths and the purpose of accomplishing a feat, but it will really be a challenge to win this type of game”.
