After winning the Europa League last season, Atalanta is now gearing up for their first big challenge of the new season, when they lock horns with Champions League winners Real Madrid in the UEFA Super Cup.
The Bergamo club have a chance to start their season with silverware, although there are a few concerns they will be wary of.
Here are a few words from Atalanta coach Gian Piero Gasperini ahead of the clash.
Squad Update
“We’ve had two very serious injuries, two cruciate ligaments in practically three games with [Giorgio] Scalvini and [Gianluca] Scamaccama, and then the Koopmeiners situation. Three technically gifted and economically valuable players for the team and club.”
On Teun Koopmeiners situation
“Everything was going well until last week, when he (for Koopmeiners) chose to go to Juventus. He has decided not to play and not to train with us any more,” explained the Atalanta coach. “He already has an agreement with Juventus and with this attitude he can’t be useful for the team or his team-mates.”
Scamaccama injury update
The Italian forward picked up an ACL injury during Atalanta’s pre-season match against Parma. Gianluca Scamacca will now undergo knee surgery on Monday and will likely be sidelined for the next six months.
Atalanta on replenishing the squad with new recruits
“Honestly, I’d hoped to find myself going into a game as important as the European Super Cup with more of a defined and settled team, having improved with new additions after the Europa League final victory. We are at a minimum and the club will sort it out, but right now we are much less competitive than last season.”
Also Read: Fans Revisit Emotional Barcelona Exit of Lionel Messi: “Still Hurts”