Gasperini, Europa League final press conference in full: ‘Atalanta have prepared for everything’ | OneFootball

Gian Piero Gasperini believes that Atalanta have prepared for every possible scenario ahead of their Europa League final against the undefeated Bayer Leverkusen at the Aviva Stadium in Dublin.

Kick-off on Wednesday night is due at 20.00 BST.

The Dea coach sat down for his customary pre-match press conference in Dublin on Tuesday late-afternoon, where he addressed a number of topics, including the availability of Gianluca Scamacca, the unavailability of vice-captain Marten De Roon, and the pressure of facing the unbeaten Bundesliga champions.

Gasperini explained that his side are full of confidence and self-belief, having defeated high-profile teams such as Marseille, Liverpool and Sporting CP, whom they played four times, on their way to the Europa League final.

They also secured their position in the 2024-25 edition of the Champions League on Sunday, having mathematically secured fifth place in Serie A, which is enough to qualify this year given Italy’s additional spot in the competition.

Wednesday’s final will also be of particular interest to Roma, who will also qualify for the Champions League, bringing Italys number of participating sides up to six, if Atalanta are crowned Europa League champions.

Gasperini Europa League final press conference in full

“Reaching the Champions League on Sunday was a massive step, and one that allows us to fully concentrate on this final now,” Gasperini told the press, reported via TMW.

“It was certainly very positive, but the overriding feeling is one of anticipation, in the sense that we believe we have prepared everything we need to prepare for. Now we wait to do battle.”

Gasperini confirmed that the clubs leading goalscorer this season, Scamacca, will be available from the off tomorrow night, as will all of Atalanta’s attacking unit.

“Scamacca has massively evolved over the last few months, not just in terms of goals. Having him available in a match like the one against Juventus would have been massively important. Also because we don’t have any similar alternatives in that role.

“Everyone will be there tomorrow. He (Scamacca) will be there, (Ademola) Lookman will be there, (Charles) De Ketelaere will be there, the attacking department is complete, and so, we can prepare for 90 minutes or more.”

When asked if Atalanta have come into the final in the ideal condition, Gasperini replied: “From a mental and psychological point of view, yes. Even more so having secured Champions League football on Sunday.

“Personally, I’m really disappointed that we won’t have De Roon there, because of his value to us on the pitch. He deserved a final. He’s given so much to Atalanta, I’m sorry to lose him for our most important match.

“It’s not easy when you play every three days for three months, and having to always perform to your fullest. We’ve played a lot of matches, in a positive way, but we still have regrets over our game against Juventus, which was not one of our better performances. But now there’s another game, another final, another trophy.”

A word for the fans

“They’ve sacrificed a lot, too, in all aspects. We always feel their presence, and always in massive quantity. It will be the same tomorrow, even though it’s not been easy to get here,” Gasperini said.

Atalanta face arguably their toughest challenge of the season thus far in having to face Bayer Leverkusen, who have not lost a single match in any competition all season.

When asked how you prepare for such a scenario, Gasperini explained: “With awareness that we’re going up against a great team. The numbers and the performances they have put in over these months speak for themselves. However, we’ve faced a lot of strong teams on our journey as well, both in Italy and abroad. We have a lot of self-confidence as well.”

To conclude, there were also a final few words on the unavailable De Roon. “I don’t deny that I would have preferred to have him on the pitch. Since he can’t, I’m happy that he is still here with us. But there is no doubt, he will be in the dressing room in the build-up, because he’s always been an exemplary captain for us; in terms of his behaviour and his quality on the pitch. We are very sad that he has to miss tomorrow, but he will give us his energy.”