After their win against Dudelange in Europa League, Milan are getting ready to face Atalanta. Both teams need a win after their last games in Serie A where they haven't really met the expectations. Here's how Gattuso presented tomorrow's game in press conference.
About Atalanta: "We'll need to play a great game to avoid getting in trouble. They're losing many games in a row and it didn't happen for quite some time. They'll want to get back on their feet. I don't trust Atalanta and Gasperini who knows how to get the most out of his players. It seems like they choose players who are marked and that they've been playing together for years, even after they just arrived. They won't let you breathe, we'll have to do well technically and tactically".
About the turnover for the Dudelange game: "I made so many changes because I believe in my players, they're important and train well. Bakayoko, Castillejo and Borini for exemple could start. Caldara in the starting lineup? Why not? He's had a good game the other day. I can be too demanding from him, you know how professional he is and he can help a lot. Bertolacci? He can do more, it's not easy as it was his first game but I'm happy for how he's in the group. Reina's done well, I'm happy with how Donnarumma plays, we'll continue with him in Serie A. Laxalt is really fast and does well, he also could start tomorrow: he's got important characteristics and can play every game or sit on the bench, like everyone".
About the offensive unit: "Calhanoglu? He's not done great against Cagliari but played at a very high level for 75 minutes against Roma. In the last 25 meters, we need to immediately look for Higuain because if we wait too long, Gonzalo comes to play outside of the box: we have to improve in that aspect. What we're asking from Gonzalo is that it's right he comes to help but it's better if he goes to work on the two central defenders. Who's more decisive between Higuain and Ronaldo? To me, Higuain's currently the strongest in the world, we have to make the best out of him: he's a champion at the team's disposal. I hope I'll always have him fit, he wants to play because he likes scoring.
I want Suso to shoot more, he's got good feet: I want something more from him in offensive phases. He suffers from not scoring, I hope he gets to do it and we have to help him, continuing like this. Cutrone has a strong will and always want to have a try at scoring: his ankle still annoys him, we have to know for how long, it's not a really serious problem and we'll evaluate his situation.
We need something more upfront. Borini is playing as a winger but he could also play as a striker, Cutrone has different characteristics than him and Higuain but I'm not afraid because I don't have a lot of forwards. Suso has to know Higuain better and vice-versa: this is stuff we're working on in training and video sessions".
