Football

Gian Piero Gasperini Excited As Atalanta Reach Business End Of Season

Atalanta manager Gian Piero Gasperini acknowledges that the Coppa Italia is his side's "most realistic target" trophy, as they prepare for the semi-final against Fiorentina

Alessandro Garofalo/AP
Gian Piero Gasperini is chasing success in three competitions with Atalanta Photo: Alessandro Garofalo/AP
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Gian Piero Gasperini is relishing the fact Atalanta have a packed schedule heading into the final months of the season as his side chase success in three competitions. (More Football News)

La Dea can reach the Coppa Italia final with victory over Fiorentina in the semi-finals, while Champions League qualification is within their capabilities as the top four in Serie A is only seven points away, and only Liverpool stand between them and making progress in the Europa League later this month.

First up is Wednesday바카라s away leg of a Coppa semi match-up which head coach Gasperini is 바카라thrilled바카라 to be involved in.

He told La Gazzetta dello Sport: 바카라Going into the end of the season with three goals to chase is really exciting.

바카라I바카라m expecting a balanced match, we바카라ll need to be very focused and trust each other. It바카라s a thrill to be able to experience this time and I바카라m very happy to have such a united and high-quality team at my disposal.

바카라The Coppa Italia is our most realistic target because I never really thought we could compete for the Scudetto with teams that are now chasing about 90 or 100 points. The cup, however, is possible. It바카라s the fourth semi we바카라ve reached since I바카라ve been here.바카라

Unfortunately for Gasperini, he will observe the match at the Stadio Artemio Franchi from the stands as he serves a touchline ban.

He joked: 바카라It바카라s a shame, but at least I바카라ll have a better view.바카라

Wednesday바카라s hosts Fiorentina are still in a period of mourning following the death of their general manager Joe Barone last month.

Photo: Massimo Paolone/LaPresse
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Boss Vincenzo Italiano, who is keen to dismiss speculation suggesting he will leave the Florence club at the end of the season, wants to 바카라throw all the passion바카라 expressed by supporters to the late Barone into their cup tie.

바카라The future of Fiorentina is far more important than any individual, whether it바카라s me or the players,바카라 he told Sky Sport Italia.

바카라We have to throw all the passion, love and determination that Barone showed us during these years and put those elements into our performances for the rest of the season.

바카라I am not trying to avoid answering (questions about his future), but I insist we must try to concentrate on these remaining 13 matches this season and keep everyone focused.

바카라This sort of talk does not help anyone, in my view, it can actually make us lose our concentration.바카라

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