Atalanta remain in the race for a Champions League placement in Serie A, but Gian Piero Gasperini admits winning the Europa League is La Dea’s priority.
The Nerazzurri beat Empoli 2-0 at the Gewiss Stadium in Bergamo on Sunday, four days before the first leg of the Europa League semifinals.
Atalanta’s direct rivals Roma, Juventus and Bologna all collected draws, so La Dea keep climbing up the table.
“Today’s results were favourable to us, but we must look at our path. If we are able to get as many points as possible, the position in the table will change accordingly,” Gasperini said at a post-match press conference as quoted by TMW.
El-Bilal Touré, Atalanta’s most expensive signing ever, started the match and is getting in shape after sustaining a severe injury at the beginning of the season.
“He put in a good performance physically, he has recovered, and he ran a lot today,” said Gasp.
“We could have scored more goals, we were not clinical enough, but he has surely recovered. Of course, the transfer value weighs on him, but of course, I don’t base my decisions on this.”
Gasperini admits Europa League is Atalanta’s priority
Giorgio Scalvini also returned to action after nearly a month today.
“He was a bit tired, so let’s see if he can start on Thursday, but he has also recovered,” Gasperini claimed.
“Right now, the Europa League is the target we care about most, but we must be careful because Marseille is a strong side.
“We have many players who can make the difference in attack. It is fundamental. We have this semifinal on Thursday, all games are important, but the first leg is a little more important,” continued the coach.
“We have five strikers, but the team is not very deep. There are 21 outfield players, and 15-16 players have played a lot. This is my idea, and this number of players allows us to be a unit. It’s a team that I like.”
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