Percassi: 'Biggest game in Atalanta history'

By Football Italia staff

Atalanta President Antonio Percassi is looking forward to “the most important game in the history of this club,” the Champions League Round of 16 with Valencia.

The first leg kicks off at San Siro on Wednesday at 20.00 GMT.

“We must be honest, this is the most important game in the history of this club,” President Percassi told Sky Sport Italia.

“It doesn’t seem real! It’s exciting just thinking that tomorrow we’ll be in a Champions League Round of 16. It’s wonderful for our fans too.

“On the one hand, we are amazed, but on the other it shows how much the club is growing and the level Atalanta want to reach.

“It’s a dream and I wish my players all the best, because this is going to be a unique experience that will stay with us for the rest of our lives.”

Atalanta have been able to reach the Champions League Round of 16, and are six points clear in fourth place in Serie A, with a fraction of the wage bill of other clubs.

“We select players for roles that the coach indicates, but also have to take into account that we cannot go beyond a certain figure. Keeping the books balanced is fundamental for us.

“We have not sold any of our most important players this season and we are seeing the results.”

Coach Gian Piero Gasperini was almost fired after a dire start to life in Bergamo, losing four of his first five Serie A games in 2016, but Percassi stood by him.

“Some nights I wake up, as it still doesn’t seem real. I said that whatever happens, I wanted to continue with the coach.”

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