Even CEO Luca Percassi was in Madrid, as usual, to watch the game against Real. He’s disappointed about the elimination but he’s also aware of the path made by Atalanta: “We go out being sorry but stronger”.

“It was another very important match against a team we know the quality of. We go out [of the competition] with a bit of regret, because, in any case, we realize that we could perhaps have done something better but we played against a great team. So, we know very well that this competition doesn’t forgive you if you make any mistake and from tomorrow we’ll be sorry but also stronger, precisely for the level of this competition”.

This is the second appearance for Atalanta in the Champions League, they demonstrated last year but they did it again this year – and perhaps it was even more difficult – that they can fit in, to be able to compete, to be up to the level of these great teams. Atalanta are a great team.

“Yes, what the whole group are doing is something extraordinary, the league proves it. Reaching the Coppa Italia final obviously proves it. We start again tomorrow, with the usual spirit which is that we must work to improve in every game”.

The fans followed Atalanta from home. They’re sorry but proud of how much this club, this team, these guys this coach are doing because now they really know Bergamo in the world.

“We have to be very happy to be here and, as always, it must be an opportunity to learn something to make Atalanta stronger for the future. The greatest regret we’ve had for a year and a half is for the fans and their absence because we know how much they care about it and how close they are to us. But now honestly their absence really starts to weigh and we can’t wait to return to normality”.

Did the president call you? What did he say?

“He’s sorry but at the same time aware of having played against a great team. That was the match”.

You said in the interview that you’re focusing on the league and the Coppa Italia final.

“Yes. Immediately from tomorrow, as we have a very difficult match on Sunday. We’ve got two months ahead to really collect all the good work that has been done this year. Many very important matches await us. Therefore we end this competition and from tomorrow we’ll obviously only work on the league”.