Palladino: ‘Atalanta magical night with Bayern Munich, all Italy cheering us on’
Raffaele Palladino expects a ‘magical’ Champions League night against Bayern Munich, assuring Atalanta ‘don’t want to set limits on ourselves, all Italians are cheering us on.’
The first leg kicks off at the New Balance Arena in Bergamo on Tuesday at 20.00 GMT (21.00 CET).
La Dea are the only remaining Italian representatives in the Champions League and face a daunting task against German giants Bayern Munich.
Atalanta ready to dream big in Champions League
“Tomorrow will be a magical, wonderful night for us, as it’s a dream to be in the Champions League last 16 against one of the strongest teams in the world,” Palladino told Sky Sport Italia.
“Dreams are there to be experienced. We want to enjoy it to the full and cause difficulties for Bayern. We are playing at home, so can repeat the performance against Borussia Dortmund.”
Atalanta certainly have a strong record with German opponents, going back to winning the Europa League trophy by crushing the then-unbeaten Bayer Leverkusen 3-0 in the Final.
In the Champions League play-offs last month, they overturned a 2-0 first leg deficit to eliminate Borussia Dortmund with a 4-1 success in Bergamo.
“Being the only Italian in the Champions League is a nice feeling, we feel that all Italians are cheering us on and I received messages of encouragement from all over, including my former players at Fiorentina and Monza,” added Palladino.
“We don’t want to set limits on ourselves. We want to have our say, knowing of course that Bayern Munich are a truly excellent team.”
While the Germans are missing Manuel Neuer and waiting on fitness news from Harry Kane, Atalanta are forced to do without several key players.
Giacomo Raspadori and Charles De Ketelaere are still out injured, with Giorgio Scalvini suspended in defence, while Ederson remains a major doubt.
“I would’ve liked to go into this game with an entire squad at my disposal, but in attack especially we are limited without Raspadori and De Ketelaere,” continued the coach.
“I know whoever plays will give 100 per cent for this shirt. We’ll try to end the first 90 minutes of this tie having given our all to make these fans happy.”
Bayern Munich won seven of their eight Champions League games in the opening phase, losing only 3-1 to Arsenal on November 26.
“Bayern don’t have many weak spots, but we studied them carefully,” added Palladino.
“They have so much quality in attack, especially Harry Kane, but we must not lose our identity, can never drop the tempo, as intensity is our greatest strength.”
Is this to be considered Mission Impossible for Atalanta?
“Maybe, but it’s still wonderful to face this type of challenge. We want to enjoy it and I really liked the attitude of the lads.”