RB Leipzig Admits Dangerous Opponents, Gasperini: I Can't Predict What Will Happen

Gian Piero Gasperini (Twitter.com/@Atalanta_BC)

JAKARTA - Atalanta coach Gian Piero Gasperini admits RB Leipzig is a dangerous opponent ahead of the meeting of the two teams in the second leg of the Europa League quarter-finals at Gewiss Stadium, Bergamo, Thursday night local time.

Quoted by Antara from football-italy, Thursday, Gasperini said the match would be fierce, especially since both teams wanted to win the match and reach the semifinals.

Gasperini says Atalanta will be remembered by people if they are able to advance to the semi-finals, just as they did two years ago in the Champions League.

"I can't predict what will happen tomorrow, it would be fantastic to get to the semi-finals, but at this stage of the competition, the game is always balanced. We have to have quality and make the most positive moments," Gasperini explained.

"We are only one minute from the Champions League semi-finals two years ago. That is the highest point we have reached so far. Everyone will remember us if we qualify for the semifinals this time."

Gasperini said that currently the Europa League is not a priority for Atalanta, however, if La Dea are able to reach the semifinals, then that will change.

According to him, it is difficult for a team like Atalanta to win trophies and they have no obligation to achieve that, although at the moment they have the opportunity to do so.

"We can still qualify for Europe via the League, but the Europa League will be our priority if we qualify for the semifinals," Gasperini explained.

"It is difficult for a team like Atalanta to win trophies, so we are not obliged to win the Europa League. This is an opportunity. We have to focus on the next game and go as far as we can."

In this match, Atalanta are required to secure a win if they want to qualify for the Europa League semifinals after they drew 1-1 against RB Leipzig in the first leg.