Atalanta will be without Duvan Zapata for tomorrow's match against Lazio at the Olimpico, as the attacker will be out a month due to a muscular injury suffered while on duty with the Colombian national team. Manager Giam Piero Gasperini spoke on the difficulty of the upcoming match when speaking with Corriere dello Sport.
"I cursed. While I was watching the action, I was sure that he hurt himself. We pay a price for what happened with his National team and that isn't right. It's useless to go around the world playing friendlies that don't mean anything. The players are forced to play a lot in 12-13 days all for nothing. Then you complain about the increase of injuries. Those matches are useless tactically, technically and nobody watches them. This mess must end. You cannot stop league play and Coppa play three times in three months. One large break would be better."
In Zapata's place, Luis Muriel is ready to lead the Atalanta attack: "I expect him to integrate in the squad and for there to be harmony. He must acquire the occasions that will be occasionally brought forward. He's had issues with his knee, tonsillitis, and a National team call up. It's the moment to have continuity. "
