Atalanta head coach Gian Piero Gasperini insists his men are focused on the upcoming Serie A clash against Juventus despite a tricky Europa League contest against Sporting Lisbon awaiting them in a few days. During a pre-game conference, the experienced tactician hailed Bianconeri as one of the best teams in the division.
Last weekend’s 4-2 mauling at the hands of Sassuolo remains the only blemish on an otherwise near-perfect Serie A start for Juventus (W4, D1). Massimiliano Allegri’s troops quickly regrouped to pull off a crucial 1-0 home win over Lecce on Wednesday, setting themselves up nicely for this fixture.
However, Atalanta won’t be fazed by Juventus’ impressive form in the early goings. Gasperini’s men have gathered momentum after a topsy-turvy two-game league start (W1, L1), racking up three wins in their last four top-flight outings (L1), including a 1-0 triumph at Hellas Verona in midweek.
Atalanta romped promoted Cagliari 2-0 in their most recent home league game, and Gasperini will hope his men can put on another defensively resilient performance against Juventus.
“The focus is on this game, then there will be Sporting and Lazio. We had a good streak, this is a week with three meetings, one more important than the other,” the Atalanta boss said, as quoted by Gianluca Di Marzio.
With no intention to disrespect other rivals, Gasperini has put the emphasis on Sunday’s game at the Gewiss Stadium.
“It’s a long-awaited game. Juventus is a great team. I think there is no doubt. It started well, apart from Sassuolo’s gambit, we know it’s one of the best teams.”
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