Borussia Dortmund, Sokratis on Europa League match against Atalanta: "It will be a close game. I've learned a lot from Gasperini"

On Thursday Atalanta will travel to Dortmund to face Borussia in one of the most important matches of their recent history: the first leg of the Europa League round of 32. At the Signal Iduna Park, Atalanta coach Gasperini will meet again a familiar face in Greek defender Sokratis Papastathopoulos. The centre-back, who is now one of the most appreciated defender in the Bundesliga, played two season with Genoa under the current Atalanta coach, before moving to Milan (5 appearances) and finally to Bundesliga, first to Werder Bremen and then to Borussia Dortmund. "I've been here in Germany for 7 years - says Sokratis to La Gazzetta dello Sport - but I have not forgotten what I learned in Serie A, especially at Genoa with Gasperini when I was 20. I follow Serie A on TV and Atalanta are what's good in that league, they are compact, strong and dangerous on the wings and from set pieces. Everbody thinks that we are the favourites for the match, but I think that it will be a close game, with equal chances for both sides. Papu Gomez? In Lyon they said they didn't know him, what a mistake that was! He has a great talent, otherwise he wouldn't play for Argentina". The Greek defender discussed also a possible return to Italy: "Never say never. I'm good here at Borussia, I have another year left on my contract and the club wants to open talks over an extension. I'm fine with that but my focus right now is on doing my best to achieve our seasonal goals with Borussia"