Palladino: ‘I want perfect Atalanta’ against Chelsea

Raffaele Palladino wants to see ‘a perfect performance’ from Atalanta against old friend Enzo Maresca’s Chelsea. ‘It’s an opportunity to prove ourselves’ in the Champions League.

It kicks off at the New Balance Arena in Bergamo on Tuesday at 20.00 GMT.

Although La Dea have done very well since he took over from sacked Ivan Juric, there was an unexpected setback at the weekend with their 3-1 defeat to rock bottom Serie A side Hellas Verona.

“We have to begin again after a bad performance,” said a visibly irritated Palladino in his press conference.

“I spoke to the lads, who were very disappointed over how that game went. We don’t want to repeat this kind of game, and tomorrow is an opportunity to prove ourselves against Chelsea, fighting for every ball.

“I have a group of great men and they want to make up for what happened in Verona. These things must never happen again and we’ve got to give our all against both Chelsea and Cagliari. I want to see the perfect performance.”

Atalanta have done considerably better in the Champions League so far this season than in Serie A, so it is hoped they can maintain that focus.

“We want to reach a point where we have that intensity in all the competitions. In order to reach big objectives, we need everyone to step up and give their contribution,” added Palladino.

“I need to spend more time with the lads, we’ve got to battle on every pitch. This team has to refuel its enthusiasm after some disappointing months.”

Chelsea won the Conference League last season and are currently flying high in the Premier League, while in the Champions League they followed a 3-1 defeat to Bayern Munich with three victories and a 2-2 draw at Qarabag.

That included an extraordinary 3-0 win over Barcelona last time out.

“I want a perfect performance,” continued Palladino. “Facing strong opponents helps you to understand certain things. We have to take it one game at a time.

“I expect a very strong Chelsea with great individual talents. I studied them when I spent time in England, but obviously in a match situation is a whole different matter.

“I am happy for Maresca and all he is doing, seeing as we’ve been friends since our time together at Juventus.”

Atalanta have always varied their tactics with sometimes a centre-forward, others Charles De Ketelaere acting as a False 9, so what can we expect tomorrow?

“We’ll see, I have many options in attack, but what counts is that the team plays the perfect game. We can’t wait to get out onto the field,” said Palladino.

“I played as a forward under Gian Piero Gasperini and learned a lot, so now I am trying to pass on that experience. Charles is a leader and a fantastic player. He’s working so hard for the team, as the strikers are always the first defenders.

“I love to see him battling on in every circumstance. Gianluca Scamacca is improving and has to play for the goal as well as for his teammates. He needs to rediscover his rapport with the net after the injury.”