Gasperini haunted by Atalanta-PSG memories in Lisbon

Gian Piero Gasperini can’t assist however suppose again to the Champions League quarter-final towards PSG when Atalanta go to Sporting Lisbon. ‘That was a improbable second, but additionally one with probably the most regrets.’

It kicks off on the Estadio Alvalade on Thursday at 17.45 UK time (16.45 GMT).

Lisbon will at all times be a particular metropolis within the hearts of Atalanta supporters, as a result of this was the place the bizarre one-off Champions League quarter-final was held towards Paris Saint-Germain in 2020.

As a result of COVID pandemic shutting down soccer for a number of months, the European event was rushed into a brand new format with one host nation to minimise journey.

Mario Pasalic had given Atalanta the lead for over an hour, however Marquinhos equalised on the 90^th minute, adopted by an Eric Maxim Choupo-Moting winner in stoppages.

“That was a improbable second in sure facets, because it was maybe the excessive level of our European expertise to be so near the Champions League semi-final,” Gasperini advised Sky Sport Italia.

“On the identical time, it was the second with probably the most regrets, seeing that probability disappear earlier than our eyes within the final two minutes. Let’s simply say it was definitely memorable.”

Curiously, Atalanta are actually staying in the identical lodge the place PSG have been lodged forward of that match.

That is the Europa League and will probably be a fixture towards Sporting CP, after Atalanta opened the group section with a 2-0 house win over Polish champions Rakow.

“Sporting are very aggressive, they’re high of the desk domestically and put up an actual battle with Juventus final season, even when the Bianconeri certified in the long run. They’re powerful opponents.”

Inter additionally confronted Portuguese opposition final night time within the Champions League, beating Benfica 1-0 with a Marcus Thuram strike.

“They’d so many scoring alternatives, particularly within the second half. This can be a very totally different sport, as we’re on their turf and Sporting are in a superb interval of type. It is a chance for us to play these video games and as I at all times say, we’ll emerge with one thing constructive from it whatever the consequence.

“We care about Serie A too, however evidently worldwide competitors has a unique environment and fascination for us. It’s nonetheless early days this season, we had some good performances not too long ago and had regrets on the draw with Juventus, however on the identical time it additionally gave us extra perception about our capabilities.”

Charles De Ketelaere had been a flop at Milan, however is lastly beginning to present what he’s able to beneath Gasperini’s tenure.

“He’s nonetheless younger and has undoubted qualities, which is why Milan signed him. He was coming off a 12 months that was not lucky, however he nonetheless gained lots of expertise with Stefano Pioli and his workers. Naturally, it’s simpler for me to work with somebody who already has a 12 months in Serie A.

“I discovered De Ketelaere to be a superb man who is keen to do properly.”

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