Atalanta manager Gian Piero Gasperini has issued a stark warning ahead of his team’s Champions League clash against Arsenal on Thursday. The experienced Italian tactician acknowledged that the Gunners pose a significant threat and that his side may struggle to match their intensity and quality.
Despite securing a 3-2 victory over Fiorentina in Serie A on Sunday, Gasperini remains realistic about Atalanta’s current form. The Europa League champions have had a mixed start to the season and will be facing a formidable opponent in Arsenal, who finished second in the Premier League last season.
“It’s not just their aerial power, the way they run, move the ball and have fantastic dynamism,” Gasperini told DAZN. “Arsenal are a great reference point in England, they dominated the Premier League last season along with Manchester City and Liverpool.”
Gasperini expressed particular concern about Arsenal’s intensity, quality, and pace. He admitted that Atalanta may struggle to adapt to their style of play, which is unfamiliar to the Italian side.
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The recent international break has further complicated Atalanta’s preparations for the match. Gasperini expressed frustration with the timing of the break, which disrupted the team’s rhythm and made it difficult to maintain focus.
“Having the break for international duty was not helpful, as so many of them left again straight away,” he said. “I think first of all this team needs to find solidity, get those mechanisms running smoothly.”
