Atalanta kicked off their home campaign with a big game, as they hosted Milan at the Gewiss Stadium. The match ended 1-1, as the Rossoneri found the equaliser after Malinovskyi’s opening goal. Mario Pašalić has no doubts about it: “We have proven that we are competitive”.

Mario Pašalić, the game against Milan was an important test for you. You made a good impression, Atalanta are still there.

“Yes, we’re still here. Ahead of this game, we told each other that we wanted to assess our level against the champions of Italy, against the strongest team right now. I think we have proven that we’re still here, we’re still competitive, and that this team can still give satisfaction to these fans. We have to be satisfied with this draw, as it’s a good point”.

Mario, the games against Milan are never ordinary.

“Yes, these games are always intense and there are always goals. There are always many chances and plays. Today as well. 1-1, a point apiece. A point apiece is fair, now we have to focus on Verona”.

You have to focus on Verona, but against Milan, we saw an Atalanta side that tried to play their game, suffered when they had to, and with their head held high, they started again. These are significant signs.

“Yes, sometimes we had to defend because of the opposition’s quality, but we did that very well. Then we went on the counterattack a few times and had a few chances. That could be a strategy in a few games. We have shown that we can also play this way”.