Gasperini Ready for Europa League Final
Atalanta Coach Not Afraid of Bayer Leverkusen
By Reuters | May 18, 2023
Atalanta coach Gian Piero Gasperini said his side were not afraid of an all-conquering Bayer Leverkusen team he likened to a tank.
The two finalists ended British hopes in the Europa League quarter-finals with Bayer Leverkusen knocking out West Ham and Atalanta stunning Liverpool.
Speaking at a news conference on Wednesday, Gasperini said he had armed his team with everything they need to overcome Gerardo Seoane's side in the final in Seville on Wednesday.
"We have prepared everything, we are ready," Gasperini said. "We know it will be difficult, we know the value of our opponents, but we believe in ourselves and our abilities."
Gasperini said he had huge respect for Leverkusen, who are unbeaten in six games in all competitions and have won their last two Bundesliga matches.
"They are a great team, a real tank," Gasperini said. "They are very physical, very strong, with a lot of quality. They are a team that has been playing together for a long time, with a clear identity, and they have great individual players."
Atalanta, who sit eighth in Serie A, will be playing in their first major European final since winning the now defunct Cup Winners' Cup in 1963.
Gasperini said he was confident his team could make history again.
"We have worked hard to get to this point, and we want to make the most of this opportunity," Gasperini said. "We know it will be difficult, but we are ready to give it our all."
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