Atalanta advanced to the Champions League Round of 16 during the week, next they face Fiorentina in the league. The team's focus will be back on obtaining results in Serie A, according to the comments made by coach Gian Piero Gasperini in his pre-match press conference. The coach also touched on rumors that he would be leaving Atalanta, and also added a thought about Paolo Rossi: "He is a part of our youth who has left us. I personally met him at 12 years, in a tournament in Florence. He had a fantastic tournament."
"It's not that before we were not thinking about the league, it's that the Champions League took up a lot of energy. We were in sight of qualification, and we needed to pay greater attention but we always tried to give our best. Now we are focused on the league until the end of the season."
"Pasilic is not healed, even though he rejoined us today. Miranchuk is not yet available, we hope for him tomorrow or Monday. Ilicic didn't train because of a sore throat, he will be out tomorrow. Caldara is recovering pretty well, he will be out another 20 days. Ruggeri has some knocks and we will likely not be called up."
"There were words written and rumors on Whatsapp, a tree that falls causes more sound than a growing forest. When I talk about the high bar I am not speaking of results, but looking for changes or being able to play in different styles. This is what we must look to achieve. When a player thinks he has reached his peak you can't offer him anything more."
