Yahoo Sports Percassi: ‘Atalanta great honour to host Real Madrid’
Atalanta CEO Luca Percassi feels it is ‘inopportune’ to suggest they are favourites against Real Madrid, as ‘it is a great honour for us to have them in our home.’
It kicks off at the Gewiss Stadium in Bergamo at 20.00 GMT.
These teams met in August for the UEFA Super Cup, as reigning holders of the Europa League and Champions League trophies, with the Merengues winning 2-0.
However, since then La Dea have gone on a remarkable streak of nine consecutive Serie A victories to top the table, also unbeaten in Europe with just one goal conceded.
“Friday was obviously a great result against Milan, but with such an important game coming up, we haven’t had time to think of anything else,” Percassi told Sky Sport Italia.
“This is spectacular for Atalanta, we are facing the biggest club in the world and it is a great honour for us to host Real Madrid in our home.”
Atalanta face Real Madrid again
Meanwhile, Carlo Ancelotti faced potential sack talk after losing three of the first five Champions League fixtures and is recovering lost ground in LaLiga. What does Percassi make of people suggesting Atalanta are the favourites?
“This city has always been good at not losing sight of reality. It is inopportune to suggest we are favourites, you just need to look at the incredible names of the players on the field and on their bench this evening.
“Obviously, Atalanta will play our game with our DNA and our characteristics, but we are well aware that we are up against an extraordinary team. We need humility, our feet on the ground, expecting a very difficult match against the strongest squad.”
Percassi was asked if he had to choose a player to ‘poach’ from Real Madrid this evening, who would it be?
“I would say Vinicius.”
Atalanta are not just doing well in Serie A and the Champions League, but also the Under-23 team in Serie C and the UEFA Youth League, confirming the club strategy for present and future.
“The story of Atalanta comes from the youth academy. With my father first, then the arrival of Stephen Pagliuca, we put a lot of investment into the youth academy. It is part of the DNA of this club, the academy is fundamental for the present and the future of the team.
“Bringing players through to the first team is for many reasons a necessity, but also something to be proud of. To see those grow from little kids to playing for us in the Champions League, it is fantastic.”
