Atalanta coach Gian Piero Gasperini discussed the Roma clash: “We need to improve our home record. It will be a big-ticket game, and we will have to be extra focused. We must not look ahead at the Christmas vacations, as it is a pivotal stretch of the season. We will see down the line whether we could be Scudetto contenders. It would be fantastic to qualify to the Champions League again.”
Only Robin Gosens is hurt for La Dea: “It is tough to explain all these injuries. We have gotten out of a crisis, while other teams are currently going through it. The busy schedule might be a factor. We hope it will get better in the future. We are in fine form overall. This week looked extra long considering what we were used to.”
“José Mourinho is surely a great coach, both for the enthusiasm he brings and his history. It is different to work in a town like Roma. I am sure he will raise their level, but he is human too. Their attack is worthy of the best clubs, and they have a quality roster overall.”
Gasperini will face several former Atalanta players that are currently at Roma: “They are happy for their performances, and they are getting regular playing time. Bryan Cristante is versatile, and he is a leader as he was here. Gianluca Mancini is a strong defender too. Roger Ibanez did not feature a lot in Bergamo as he did not have a great start. We wanted to loan him, but then the Giallorossi made a good offer, and the club decided to sell him. There is no controversy, and it just went down that way. He has always been a positive guy, but we were set in the back at the time.”