Manchester United’s upcoming Champions League opponents Atalanta are in confident mood.
Despite a 3-2 home defeat to AC Milan before the international break, Atalanta are top of the Champions League group.
The 2019/20 quarter-finalists have a settled side under manager Gian Piero Gasperini and CEO Luca Percassi believes it is the best team they have had in years.
Percassi, son of club president Antonio, told L’Eco di Bergamo: “We believe that this is the most complete Atalanta in recent years.”
Nothing to lose
Percassi believes Atalanta are in an enviable position ahead of their match with Manchester United.
He said: “Thinking of Atalanta as protagonist at Old Trafford makes an impression. We are aware of this and we as a family and as a club are convinced that going to play is already like having won.
“No matter how it ends, we will learn and treasure every moment.”
He added that he is not getting carried away, with other clubs having more resources than Atalanta.
They sit eighth in Serie A after a mixed start to the campaign, 10 points back from surprise runaway leaders Napoli.
Percassi said simply qualifying for Europe next season is the goal, adding: “I don’t lose sight of reality.”
Without two injured stars
Atalanta have plenty of players who can hurt United, especially with the Red Devils’ defence not at its best and possibly missing key players.
The one positive from United’s perspective is the absence of two Atalanta players through injury.
Winger Robin Gosens has been ruled out for both matches against United, as has midfielder Matteo Pessina, Tuttomercatoweb report.
Pessina scored Atalanta’s winner in the previous group game against Young Boys a fortnight ago.
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