Gasperini labels Milan as ‘very strong’ ahead of ‘important’ direct clash

On the eve of the clash against AC Milan, Atalanta manager Gian Piero Gasperini spoke to the media at the usual press conference. He stated that it will be a very important game for the standings, now just even points behind the Rossoneri. 

Atalanta have been in tremendous form as of late, with six wins in seven games, and are now just seven points behind Milan. A win tomorrow would thus bring them four points within the Rossoneri, and with a game in hand as well due to the postponed Inter game.

Speaking at the press conference, as cited by Calciomercato.com, Gasperini shared his thoughts on facing Milan. He stated that it will be a difficult game, as well as an important one for the standings. Especially since they also have a tough run of games coming up.

On Milan…

“A very strong team, apart from the defeat against Monza they have had a good run of results. It will be an important match that is worth a lot for the standings. The matches between us have always had several goalscoring opportunities, and we managed to score good goals, so I don’t see it as a 0-0 match but rather one with concreteness and quality in attack.”

On Milan, Inter and Bologna…

“Right now, I fear Milan more. Because we have to think game by game, then the beauty of playing every three days is that if it goes well, we’re happy but if it goes badly we don’t have time to despair.”

Ademola Lookman, who scored a brace in the reverse fixture, has recovered from his injury and will be called up as confirmed by Gasperini. A boost for Atalanta and bad news for Milan, although the Englishman/Nigerian should not start.