It’s the eve of the UEFA Europa League knockout round playoffs between Atalanta and Olympiacos. The Nerazzurri are working hard at the Centro Bortolotti in Zingonia to prepare for the delicate and important challenge that will see them play the first leg at the Gewiss Stadium. It’s an opportunity to be used to the maximum, as also captain Rafael Toloi said: “It is important to start well”.

Rafa Toloi, the competition is different. Are the difficulties the same?

“It’s a different, highly prestigious competition. We’re proud to be able to play in it. We are facing a great team, who are doing well in their league. But we’re aware of our strength. And we want to go through and achieve as much as possible in this competition. It’s important to have a good start tomorrow.”

Here it is, you said it too. They’re a strong team, perhaps not the strongest that you could have faced, though. But at this level, all teams are of a certain kind.

“You don’t choose the opponents at this level. You must think about giving your best on the pitch. As I said, we want to have a good start tomorrow. We are doing fine. We are only focused on how to put in a great performance.”

Here it is, Rafael. You’ve anticipated the question. How are the team doing? Are you doing fine? Are you confident and determined as always?

“Yes, we’re confident and determined, as always. We have a great squad. The lads are doing well and eager to take to the pitch, play and win.”

The playoffs are played over two legs: at home and away. What is important to do at the Gewiss Stadium and then in Piraeus?

“It’s important to start off well. We need to win at home. Tomorrow we have a good opportunity to get back to winning ways. And then there will be the decider in Greece. It will be a special match. We’ll focus on winning the home fixture first.”