The Young Boys clash is “crucial” for Atalanta’s future in the Champions League

BERGAMO, ITALY – NOVEMBER 10: Atalanta head coach Gian Piero Gasperini looks on before the Serie A match between Atalanta and Udinese at Gewiss Stadium on November 10, 2024 in Bergamo, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)

Atalanta coach Gian Piero Gasperini hopes his team can take advantage of a “very opportune moment” to beat Young Boys in what he believes is a “decisive” game that could decide their “future” in the Champions League.

La Dea are currently ninth in the table after picking up two wins and two draws in the first four games of the revised league phase, and their coach is aware of the importance of another win ahead of games against Real Madrid and Barcelona to achieve.

However, Gasperini also warned the Nerazzurri of the dangers the game could pose for them, as they will have to “adapt” to the opponent’s artificial turf and be “very careful” against a team that has “already caused problems for Inter”. . , which only won 1-0 in Switzerland thanks to a last-gasp goal from Marcus Thuram.

Gasperini urges Atalanta to be “careful” in “crucial” Young Boys duel

“We are in a very opportune moment, we have had a strong run in the league, but we are not the only ones,” Gasperini told Sky Sport Italia ahead of Tuesday’s game, as quoted by Tuttomercatoweb.

“The table is very tight and Serie A is really exciting. But it’s a different competition, it’s the Champions League, and we want to continue on the good path we’ve taken so far.

“We have to be very careful, they have changed their coach and are doing well in the league. They caused Inter problems in the Champions League and that says a lot.

“I saw their game against Inter and it’s not easy to cause them problems, both in terms of rhythm and play.

“Inter struggled to play their usual game here, so I expect a young boys team like that. Plus, there’s artificial turf, we’re not used to it, but we have to adapt quickly because we can’t find excuses.

“It’s better than three years ago, but it’s still synthetic and we’re not used to it. The jump is different, the speed is different and hitting the ball is different. It’s obvious. The ball moves at a different speed and we have to adapt within the first 20 to 30 minutes.”

When asked whether the game against the Swiss would be crucial for La Dea’s qualification, either directly for the round of 16 or for the play-offs, Gasperini replied: “Yes, then we have Real Madrid and Barcelona, ​​​​so.” This game will be crucial for our future in this competition.”

The Italian tactician is expected to make limited rotations in his team’s final game against Parma and noted that he is simply trying to “pick the players who are in the best form” regardless of how many minutes they play played in the previous game.

“In general, the players who are in the best shape should play,” explained the coach.

“There is no point in resting them when they are in good shape. Every game is difficult and I always try to put together the best possible lineup.

“But with games every three days it is clear that rotation is necessary. I didn’t bring Scalvini with me because I decided to avoid him on this surface. Then there are the five substitutions, which are very important and in a way represent a form of rotation during the game.”