Palladino: ‘Attack is the best form of defence for Atalanta’

Raffaele Palladino insists ‘attack is the best form of defence’ going into his Champions League coaching debut, as Atalanta take the game to Eintracht Frankfurt.

It kicks off at the Frankfurt Stadion at 20.00 GMT.

You can follow all the build-up and action as it happens from this game and Atletico Madrid vs. Inter on the Liveblog.

La Dea are hoping that new coach Palladino can get his first victory, as he made his debut in Saturday’s 3-1 Serie A defeat to Napoli after replacing Ivan Juric.

Although their league record is dismal, the European results haven’t been too bad, beating Club Brugge and Olympique Marseille, plus a home draw against Slavia Prague and opening 4-0 loss at Paris Saint-Germain.

“We are here in this wonderful stadium, a tournament that is a dream for all players and coaches, so it means everyone has worked hard to get here,” Palladino told Sky Sport Italia.

“I can’t wait for the game to start, because I expect the team to show great maturity. I saw them fired up and concentrated. I am sure there will be difficulties, but we must push through them and react as a team unit.”

Atalanta had started with a False 9 against Napoli, then brought on Gianluca Scamacca to score in the 3-1 defeat, but the Italy international starts tonight.

“Gianluca did well against Napoli when coming off the bench, so did Kossounou. This is a squad with great quality, everyone who comes on has to be an added value for the team, because that’s what having five substitutions means,” added Palladino.

“I’ve only known these players for a few days, but I am focused on competition for places and everyone earning their opportunity.”

It was put to the coach that this is a very attack-minded formation for a Champions League fixture away from home.

“I tried to pick the best possible team, and a very attacking one. We all have to attack together and defend together, those are my principles. Atalanta historically are an attack-minded team who take the initiative, we might run some risks, but I believe attack is the best form of defence,” explained Palladino.

“Eintracht plays fluid football, doesn’t give a lot of reference points, so we need to have balance, communicate, and keep adapting to the various moments of the match.”

This is Palladino’s first ever Champions League game as a coach, having taken Fiorentina to the Conference League semi-finals last season.

Giorgio Scalvini and Mitchel Bakker are the only remaining absentees for the squad.