Before Atalanta Confirm Tickets To Europa League Round Of 16, Gasperini Concerns About Malinoskyi And His Family In Ukraine

Gian Piero Gasperini (Twitter.com/@Atalanta_BC)

JAKARTA - Atalanta coach, Gian Piero Gasperini admits that he was hesitant to include Ruslan Malinovsyi in the hunt for tickets to the last 16 of the Europa League against Olympiakos on Friday, February 25 in the morning of Indonesian Western Time (WIB).

This situation appeared in Gasperini's mind because he was concerned about the state of Malinovsyi who was in a frantic situation. This is related to the invasion of the Russian armed forces into the player's hometown, Ukraine.

"We are all going through a difficult moment right now and it's even more so for him (Malinovskyi)," Gasperini said.

Gasperini then had time to ask the 28-year-old midfielder a question about his willingness to appear in the match at the Karaiskakis Stadium, Piraeus.

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— Atalanta B.C. (@Atalanta_BC) February 24, 2022

The coach tried to make sure of Malinovsyi's condition because he realized that if the player appeared on the field, it would drain both his energy and his mind. Given that Malinovsyi also has to maintain concentration on the pitch while he is clearly worried about the condition of his parents and family in Ukraine.

"He has his parents and family in Ukraine at the moment. Obviously, it is a very, very difficult thing," continued Gasperini.

Furthermore, the coach expressed hope for peace through football. Because even though we can't immediately solve the problem, it is hoped that through football, the message of peace that continues to be called for can change the situation.

"Football can't solve problems, but I hope this can make a small contribution to making everyone feel closer and bringing peace," said Gasperini.

Despite Gasperini's concern for Malinovsyi, the midfielder can prove his professionalism and concentration on the pitch. Because in this match against Olympiakos, he succeeded in determining the victory of his team.

Malinovsyi scored a brace for Atalanta's 3-0 total of goals over the home team in this second leg. The result then also ensured a ticket for La Dea to qualify for the last 16 of the Europa League.

There was also a moment of emotion in this match, where in his second goal in the 66th minute, Malinovsyi immediately ran towards the crowd before stopping and lifting the jersey he was wearing.

The midfielder wrote 'No War In Ukraine' on the back of his jersey, in condemnation of the ongoing conflict between Russia and his country. Seeing Malinovsyi's celebration, other Atalanta players immediately hugged the midfielder as a form of moral support.