AC Milan could look to inflict further damage to Atalanta on Saturday evening. Gian Piero Gasperini’s cagey press conference after his side’s loss to Torino suggests he is facing turmoil. Therefore, Milan has to capitalise.
Just a few weeks ago, Atalanta sat in fifth, a place and three points beneath the Rossoneri in the Serie A table. Now, however, that difference has stretched to nine points, and Gasperini is very clearly feeling the pressure of the situation.
After La Dea’s loss against Torino, Gasperini spoke post-match to Sky Sports, and his comments were relayed by MilanNews.
“The fact that we lost players in the same department [does not help]: because we were also missing Kolasinac and Palomino. And when you’re in trouble in the same department, you all give something extra, and instead, I saw it in a few, or at least not in everyone.”
Similarly to Stefano Pioli, Gasperini is facing a crisis in his defensive ranks. Early reports suggest they may be without Rafael Toloi, Jose Palomino, and Berat Djimsiti – three of their starting centre-backs for the clash at the Gewiss Stadium.
Regarding the upcoming fixture against Milan…
“We have many games, not just Milan. The important thing is that we all have the same spirit then you can play more or less well, you can win or lose, but we need a team and not just a few elements.”
Thoughts regarding his and the board’s alignment…
“I will have to discuss with the club to understand if we have the same visions and then get back on track to play our games with dignity.”
After Milan’s victory against Frosinone, they have to look to continue that same form. The apparent problems between Gasperini and the higher-ups at Atalanta give the Diavolo some advantage. Nevertheless, Pioli will instruct his players to be ruthless. If results go their way, they could end the weekend eight points clear in the Champions League places.
Even if the Scudetto is the objective, we need to keep distancing ourselves away from the non-UCL spots. Just in case of another “crisis” (January- February this year comes to mind).
Scudetto or not, we absolutely need to play UCL football every season.