Palladino: ‘Atalanta’s most important match of the season’ is Coppa Italia semi final

Raffaele Palladino admits the Coppa Italia semi-final with Lazio is ‘the most important match of the season for Atalanta’ and gives injury updates on his players.

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It kicks off at the New Balance Arena in Bergamo on Wednesday at 20.00 UK time (21.00 CEST).

The first leg ended 2-2 in Rome last month, so without the away goals rule, it is all to play for tomorrow evening.

If a winner cannot be decided after 90 minutes, they will go to extra time and potentially even a penalty shoot-out.

Palladino has positive Atalanta attitude

“Certainly this is the most important match of the season for Atalanta and we’ve got to give it everything,” said Palladino in his press conference.

“We must not take anything for granted. We’ve had a great march up the Serie A table, and playing in a semi-final is big for a club like ours. We are ready to give it our all, proud of what we’ve achieved so far.”

Atalanta have played the Coppa Italia Final twice in recent years, losing both times, and would face either Inter or Como if they make it through on May 13.

“Our fans gave us so much energy, the whole city is by our side, and we want to give them this Final,” continued Palladino.

“We must play Lazio with great maturity, as they are a strong team fresh off beating Napoli in Serie A. We must be concentrated. Mentality will be crucial.”

Atalanta were the last Italian team standing in the Champions League, eliminated by Bayern Munich in the Round of 16, so are now able to focus on just Serie A and the Coppa Italia.

“We had more time to work after the Champions League exit, and that allowed us to create more consistency on some details. I am pleased with the performances against Juventus and Roma, even if the results weren’t perfect, but I am just interested in how the team plays,” added Palladino.

“This is a knockout round, so we want to win and experience another wonderful Atalanta night. We also know it is the fastest route to the Europa League. I feel positive and tried to pass that on to the players.

“Having said that, Serie A positions are still wide open too, so Atalanta must not set any limits for ourselves.”

There are some concerns, as Isak Hien is still out of action, while Giorgio Scalvini, Sead Kolasinac and Charles De Ketelaere were all taken off during the game with Roma.

“I will have to evaluate them all tomorrow, De Ketelaere had a fever last week. They are all available, but I want to see who is in the best shape.”