Luciano Spalletti refused to dwell on the absences ahead of the clash with Atalanta: “We will choose among who is left. It is key to stay united and protect the squad. They have already proved that they care deeply about this team in difficult times. This situation could either scare us or push us to find new resources. We are in the middle of a storm between injuries and COVID. I can only congratulate the lads for their professionalism and availability.”
Spalletti did not disclose whether Lorenzo Insigne and Fabian Ruiz would be present: “We can still field 16 players. We might miss the skipper and his lieutenant, but we have a few high-ranking officials within the team.”
Diego Demme and Matteo Politano will likely have meaningful roles: “We are still evaluating whether they could play the full 90 minutes. I do not want to give Gian Piero Gasperini too many hints, as he is already good enough. I have known Juan Jesus for a while. He is strong and experienced. He can take care of the role. Dries Mertens will be our captain tomorrow, and he will have to lead the way.”
Spalletti will be suspended for two matches: “I can hardly accept it because I am wiped out from my world. I live to stay with the team. I must learn to compose myself, also because I preach it to the players. I will pay a fine.”
Spalletti concluded by assessing the title race and Atalanta: “We can not go from one excess to the other. We commenced with clear goals, and then the rest will follow. The Bergamaschi are tough to deal with because they are well-built. They are a complete team. We must control the game; otherwise, they could push us around.”