Gasperini: ‘Nobody can call themselves favourites against Real Madrid’

Gian Piero Gasperini believes that no team can ever call themselves ‘favourites’ when playing against Real Madrid, even though La Dea are the stronger side on recent form, but he admits that he expects a ‘different’ game to the 2-0 Super Cup loss against Los Blancos back in August.

Atalanta will host Real Madrid at the Gewiss Stadium in the sixth round of Champions League fixtures beginning this week.

Though there have been some concerns around Carlo Ancelotti and his Madrid side in recent months, Gasperini finds it difficult to admit that Atalanta are the ‘better’ side.

Gasperini: ‘No team can call themselves favourites against Real Madrid’

“No team can call themselves favourites when they play against Real Madrid. We come to play in a great match, in our stadium, it’s a gem for us. It’s a fantastic event for the people of Bergamo,” Gasperini said during his pre-match press conference, reported via TMW.

“We have to put these suggestions to one side, we know we’re playing against a strong team. The standings, as they are at the moment, are temporary.

“We’re happy, but thinking that Atalanta are superior to Real Madrid is going a bit too far. We’ll do our best to get a result, but we’re cautious, the euphoria surrounding us is a bit exaggerated.”

Atalanta lost 2-0 to Real Madrid in the Super Cup in August, but they made several additions in the transfer window after that, and have also picked up an impressive run of form since then, which has included nine consecutive victories in Serie A and the Champions League.

“At the time, the Super Cup seemed like the highest point in the club’s history,” Gasperini said.

“We weren’t in brilliant shape then because of the transfer market situation, but we were able to play a good game for a solid hour. Then we brought in other players and many have risen in levels. I think it will be a different game to the one in August.”

Responding to questions of what the Atalanta management asks of him, Gasperini replied: “The President has never asked anything of me, it’s amazing. He’s never asked for anything in terms of results, he always points to attitudes and togetherness. It might seem banal, but I think it’s one of his strengths.”

There was also an injury update on the Atalanta team. Scamacca is still out long-term, and there has been a set-back in Giorgio Scalvini’s recovery.

“Scamacca is fine, his recovery is going well. Unfortunately Scalvini had a problem with his shoulder today. He had a sub-dislocation, so he won’t be there tomorrow. Apart from Cuadrado, we’re all ready. Everybody who has been called up is available.”