Coppa Italia – Scamacca: ‘Would have been my first final, but I’m here to cheer Atalanta on’

Gianluca Scamacca is in good spirits, despite being ineligible to compete in Wednesday’s Coppa Italia final against Juventus, and believes his Atalanta teammates are well prepared to bring the trophy back to Bergamo.

Scamacca is suspended through the accumulation of yellow cards, as is Juventus midfielder Manuel Locatelli, so they will both be watching from the stands of the Stadio Olimpico.

Still, Scamacca is with the team and accompanied coach Gian Piero Gasperini for the pre-match press conference on Tuesday evening. Massimiliano Allegri also spoke about Juventus and their Coppa Italia journey earlier on.

No Coppa Italia final for Scamacca

Speaking to the press, via TMW, Scamacca said that he and his teammates always knew they had an exciting amount of potential about them.

“Within the team, we have always know our potential, and that we have great strength about us. Then, little by little, game after game, growing in our condition and continuity, we’ve managed to show our best,” he said.

Then, when asked how much it hurts to miss out on the Coppa Italia final, Scamacca replied: “A lot. It would have been the first final of my career. But I’m here to encourage my teammates, and I’m very happy to do that. The team comes first, I’ll be pushing them on from the stands.”

Italy national team CT Luciano Spalletti admitted earlier in the day that it is ‘difficult’ to leave Scamacca out of the Azzurri squad.

“It’s pleasing to hear him say that,” Scamacca responded. “It’s given me even more of an incentive to continue doing well. My goal has always been to do well with Atalanta, and maybe create a bit of history this year.

“I feel really good in Bergamo, not just physically. I’ve never felt so comfortable with any team, in all aspects.

“The team is doing well, I see that they’re fires up and really motivated. I’m sure they will give everything they have to get us over the line in tomorrow’s match.”