Paratici: 'Atalanta underestimated'

By Football Italia staff

Juventus director Fabio Paratici warned “people underestimate the sheer quality” of Atalanta and identifies the secret to their success.

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“It’s always tough to play in Bergamo, because Atalanta have a quality squad and passionate fans, so these are hard-fought games,” the director told Sky Sport Italia.

“Atalanta play at an extremely high tempo, they run hard and go into strong tackles, but people underestimate the sheer quality in their passing play.

“They choose their players carefully, knowing the style of football they will work within, and Gian Piero Gasperini gets the best out of them.”

Did Juventus consider Gasperini as a candidate for their bench last summer when Max Allegri was dismissed?

“To be honest, no. Maurizio Sarri was our choice and fortunately we achieved our first-choice target.”

The Bianconeri made the trip without Cristiano Ronaldo, who is rested following international duty with Portugal and controversy over his substitution.

“Cristiano Ronaldo has no problem with the coach or club. They spoke yesterday and decided together, seeing as this little knee problem has been going for a couple of weeks, that it’s best to get some consistent training sessions under his belt.

“Leonardo Bonucci was one of the vice-captains when he left for Milan, which is why his departure was so painful, but we were very happy to welcome him back.

“He has over 300 games for the club and perfectly encapsulates the Juventus spirit.”

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