Gasperini and Atalanta have eyes on Coppa Italia prize

Gian Piero Gasperini admits Atalanta see the Coppa Italia as the most ‘feasible’ trophy ahead of tomorrow’s semi-final with Fiorentina and expected ‘worse’ from Giorgio Scalvini’s injury.

The first leg kicks off at the Stadio Artemio Franchi on Wednesday at 20.00 UK time (19.00 GMT).

Not only are Atalanta in the Coppa Italia semi-final, but also the Europa League quarter-final with Liverpool and in the running for a top four Serie A finish.

“We are very proud of this period with so many games to play, but the only worrying thing is that it makes it more likely we could see injuries. At least there is never the risk of letting the concentration levels dip, we have the opportunity to make this a very, very positive season,” said Gasp in his press conference.

“I always said that the Coppa Italia is the most ‘feasible’ trophy and I never really thought about our chances of winning another piece of silverware.

“We reached the Coppa Italia Final twice, I think this is our fourth semi-final, so we are doing very well. I never thought a cup would be necessary to certify or validate what we’ve achieved with Atalanta.”

Tests on Giorgio Scalvini’s femoral bicep showed a tear and he is expected to be out for at least a month, so the centre-back will also miss the Europa League quarter-final.

Meanwhile, Charles De Ketelaere is out of the group going to Florence, but in his press conference Gasperini reassured he could make it for the next Serie A game against Cagliari.

“I’ll be honest, I was afraid we had lost Scalvini for the whole season, so it’s not as bad as first thought.”

Gasperini is suspended and will have to watch the game against Fiorentina from the stands, as his assistant Tullio Gritti takes over.

“Tullio is a friend first and foremost, then in football terms we’ve been a partnership for many years. It’s a pity to lose two Coppa Italia semi-finals like this, but at least from the stands I can see the shape of the teams better.

“Vincenzo Italiano has very clear ideas, it was a good game last time we played and we lost it on a loose ball. We need to be more attentive tomorrow.”

Atalanta squad: Carnesecchi, Musso, Rossi; Djimsiti, Hien, Kolasinac, Palomino, Toloi; Adopo, Bakker, De Roon, Ederson, Hateboer, Holm, Koopmeiners, Miranchuk, Pasalic, Ruggeri, Zappacosta; Lookman, Scamacca, El Bilal Toure