Atalanta and Sampdoria, two of the biggest surprises of this Serie A season, are set to play each other with a Europa League spot at stake. On one side the home team, led by Gasperini, is searching for redemption after not starting off the season the way they hoped for. On the other side there is Giampaolo's squad, which is becoming more and more solid, thanks to the duo of Quagliarella-Defrel. On the day leading up to the match, which looks to be one of the most entertaining of this week's Serie A games, the blucerchiato manager Marco Giampaolo spoke to the press:
"We are playing a team with quality and physical strength: it's always difficult to play against a squad led by Gasperini. It'll require a lot of attention and we're prepared to the best of our abilities. We'll play against a squad that, for years, competes for the Europa League and that I respect very much. It'll be very difficult."
"Defrel is healthy and available. Saponara also recovered, but he still has not trained with us, so he'll return after the break. Murru and Tavares have also grown a lot."
"The defense? Andersen is very strong, and Tonelli also has great qualities, but he's coming from a period of inactivity, so it'll take him a little bit more time to get back in optimal shape. Ferrari has trained well, while Colley needs a little bit more time to adapt himself to the characteristics of our league. We are very proud to have so many players called up for the national team. The guys must be very satisfied, but at the same time they must understand that their experience must be used to help the group."
