It’s the eve of the Europa League Round of 16, Gian Piero Gasperini presented the clash that will see the Nerazzurri face the German side Bayer Leverkusen at the Gewiss Stadium: “It will be a hard-fought match”.

Gian Piero Gasperini, how are Atalanta doing going into the game against Bayer Leverkusen?

“It’s not our best time if you look at the results. We earned the right to play in this competition. We got this qualification after beating Olympiacos. It’s a tough and important match, as we’re facing a worthy opponent. We’ll try to do our best.”

You’ve seen them, you’ve got some more information about Bayer Leverkusen, who are doing well in the Bundesliga and are well known.

“It’s a worthy and young team, with some undeniable talents, who are quick and well organized. It’s going to be a convincing test.”

The qualification will be played over two legs. Ahead of the UEL playoffs, you said that everything was to play for in Athens. It’ll be the same tomorrow. What will Atalanta have to do in the first of these two legs in order to get to the BayArena in the best possible way?

“I think tomorrow’s match will be hard-fought and also very balanced. It’ll be the first half of a qualification, which will be probably decided in Leverkusen. We’ll have to make the most of tomorrow’s match, putting a lot of attention into it. Then we’ll see what the result will be and what will happen in the second leg.”