Gian Piero Gasperini feels giant-killers VfB Stuttgart signify ‘an actual Champions League’ take a look at, however one Atalanta are prepared for with doubtlessly an identical tactical method to the one that allow them beat Napoli.
It kicks off on the MHPArena in Stuttgart on Wednesday at 20.00 GMT.
It is a powerful take a look at for La Dea, as a result of , whereas the Italians have floor to make up for after their disappointing 0-0 stalemate towards Celtic.
“No doubt, we count on to see the very best model of Stuttgart tomorrow,” stated Gasperini in
“All of us noticed their video games and Actual Madrid, so we’ll be dealing with a robust, strong and organised aspect. It’s a troublesome match, we too will attempt to construct on the optimistic type that we’re experiencing in the meanwhile.
“It’s a actual Champions League take a look at. Nonetheless, in soccer there’s not concern of opponents, quite respect for them. We’re all assured in our capabilities, together with us.”
Whereas Atalanta are flying in Serie A with 5 consecutive victories, they’ve drawn two of their three Champions League fixtures.
“It’s a massive desk and it gained’t take lengthy to climb or drop just a few positions. The 2 factors we dropped towards Celtic definitely weigh on us, so now we should search them out in each area and attempt to get factors anyplace we will.”
Gasperini retains Atalanta choices open
Gasperini stunned Antonio Conte and Napoli on Sunday by resting Mateo Retegui, as a substitute complicated their defenders with a flexible trio of Mario Pasalic, Ademola Lookman and Charles De Ketelaere, so will he do the identical in Germany?
“We all the time play with three attacking gamers, however there’s versatility inside that construction. Final season, Teun Koopmeiners was the one who allowed us to fluctuate our method, now Pasalic is in that position, then we’ll see if Samardzic or Brescianini can do it too. We’ve options, in any case.
“I actually recognize Stuttgart, what they did final season and the best way they defend in numbers. On paper, it may appear tactically an identical staff to Napoli, so we should learn the variations of their method.”
There might be a well-known face in Germany, as a result of former Atalanta striker El Bilal Toure moved to VfB Stuttgart over the summer time.
“The necessary factor is that he has totally recovered bodily, as a result of he had two operations in a brief area of time, went via a really troublesome interval and all the time labored actually arduous,” defined Gasperini.
“He was very motivated coming to Stuttgart and scored a terrific aim towards Juventus. I’m blissful for him and it’ll be a pleasure to see him once more. Hopefully he doesn’t trigger us an excessive amount of bother…”
Lookman was in Paris this week for the Ballon d’Or ceremony, the place he completed 14th within the vote, largely because of the hat-trick within the Europa League Ultimate towards Bayer Leverkusen.
“He has had a unbelievable evolution. Lookman already did effectively alongside Rasmus Hojlund, then had Gianluca Scamacca and De Ketelaere as companions earlier than Retegui. At this second, he’s among the many high gamers in Europe and meaning on the world stage too.
“He’s nonetheless within the working to win the African Participant of the Yr Award, however crucial factor is his evolution and consistency,” concluded Gasperini.