Palladino: ‘Atalanta dream of top 8 in Champions League’

Atalanta coach Raffaele Palladino insists the ‘dream of finishing in the top eight’ of the Champions League is still alive as they visit Union Saint-Gilloise.

It kicks off at the Anderlecht Stadium on Wednesday at 20.00 GMT (21.00 CET).

La Dea had been on the verge of locking down a top eight spot and therefore direct access to the Round of 16 when they were leading Athletic Club Bilbao, but a second half collapse saw them lose and slide down to 13th position.

Their final match of the league phase is in Belgium against a team struggling to avoid being eliminated from Europe altogether.

“We have the dream of finishing in the top eight, but first and foremost, what’s important is concentrating on the three points,” said Palladino in his press conference.

“We are up against a team that still has a chance of qualifying for the play-offs, we must keep the concentration levels high, as last week’s defeat needs to act as a lesson.”

With that in mind, Palladino has no intention of rotating the Atalanta squad too much, and is aiming for victory in Belgium.

“I still have a few doubts on the starting XI and don’t want to get ahead of myself, but I want to field the best available line-up.

“Whoever I choose will give 100 per cent. Tomorrow is a very important game, so I cannot think too much about the future, and won’t rotate the squad.

“Union Saint-Gilloise are an opponent to be feared, especially on their home turf. They will give everything to stay in Europe and qualify for the play-offs.”

January signing Giacomo Raspadori scored his first Atalanta goal at the weekend in Serie A, but is cup-tied in the Champions League until the knockout phase.

Daniel Maldini moved to Lazio this evening, while more changes are expected in the transfer window.

“I am not thinking about the transfer strategy, that is the role of the club,” concluded Palladino.