After the away match in Villarreal and the home win against Young Boys, for the Nerazzurri, it’s time to face the English side of Manchester United. In the third match of the 2021-2022 Champions League, Atalanta visit Old Trafford, where Gian Piero Gasperini spoke on the eve of the match.

Gian Piero Gasperini, entering Old Trafford…

“It’s wonderful. I think it’s the most beautiful stadium we’ve ever been to. We have visited some fantastic and beautiful stadiums over the years, such as Dortmund, Lyon during our first Europa League appearance. Then we visited some that were as beautiful as those, such as in Liverpool and Amsterdam… But I think this one beats them all, it’s fantastic. It’ll be crowded tomorrow, it’ll be sold out, and that’s a show already.”

Manchester United v Atalanta: what game will it be?

“It’ll be a difficult match, for sure, in a packed venue, which makes it even tougher. It’ll be an incredible experience for us, as we’re playing this sort of match, in front of a big audience, against such a great team. We’ll have to do our best and play well. I really care about putting in a good performance.”

What did Gian Piero Gasperini study (studiare) for this match? It’s not only difficult to take on Manchester United, but Atalanta also have to go beyond the bad luck of having injuries. 

“Yes, as I said several times, I’m really sorry, above all, for them, as these guys significantly helped us reach this stage and play these kinds of games. I’m really sorry for all of them. Having said that, we’re clearly thinking about the game. We’re looking for our best solutions. We’ll need a top-level match, even technically, to manage to stop this team.”

So, everything is almost ready. Will you change anything or has the decision already been made?

“No. We didn’t have much time, as we played on Sunday. This morning, before leaving for Manchester, we were able to work a bit. But our players have been playing together for a long time, they are familiar, even if there were some additions, who, however, are settling in quickly. I’ve got the help and contribution of all the ‘little old’ players, who have been with us for a long time. We must be proud of how far we’ve come, to play this kind of game.”