GATTUSO: "IT'LL BE A TEST OF MATURITY"
Ahead of the upcoming clash between Atalanta v AC Milan Gennaro Gattuso today held his press conference at Milanello.
ON ATALANTA V AC MILAN
“We’ll need to be ready for battle tomorrow. We playing against a top Italian team who are both physically impressive and also possess great quality. They play a unique style of football. It will be a difficult and crucial game and we must ensure that we’re ready to play well and hold our ground. We must respect our opponent, playing sensibly and putting in a great performance. They press you high and look to fill the area. We must do well in both attack and defence.”
GASPERINI
“I like him, and to imitate is difficult. Watching Atalanta play is incredible, they’re extremely unique. Gasperini has great awareness and he’s done well since his time at Genoa.”
THE TEAM
“I like the positive spirit of my team, but when it counts you sometimes need to put smiles aside and give it our all. We are doing well and we must keep this up. I don’t like to talk about untouchables, as every player must fight for their place. Important teams are born out of respect, I like the fact that different players are starting to take responsibility both on and off the pitch. Abate didn’t train yesterday because of a virus, while the rest of the team are doing well. Our midfielders are fundamental, and at the moment both Calhanoglu and Paquetá are in good form, switching positions very often out on the pitch.”
WORK, GROWTH AND OBJECTIVES
“You need these type of matches, as they are ones that give you experience. It will be an important test tomorrow in terms of our growth. Getting a win would send an important signal and would be key from a mental perspective. However, there is still a long way to go and there are plenty of points still on offer. There are no easy matches. We are training differently, similar to the English style, therefore, we need a few more days to recover. We’re working on set pieces because at times, we’re poor in our delivery and we don’t threaten our opponents. I don’t like this aspect of our play and I want to see a lot more.”
INDIVIDUALS
“Calabria and Rodriguez have plenty of desire. Piatek doesn’t speak much, he’s only focused on scoring. At times, he looks bored warming up because he just wants to get out there and score goals. Zapata is similar to Krzysztof in many ways. He’s in great form and we must pay him close attention. Romagnoli is a very young captain but he’s growing a lot. He’s maturing as a captain, in terms of both maturity and responsibility. He knows how to earn respect. Suso’s renewal? I’m only focused on coaching the players. The Club decides who deserves what. He is giving a lot and he makes himself available even when he’s not at his best. Bakayoko can be tested as a mezzala, tweaking his position a bit, while Biglia is more suited in the regista role."
AMBROSINI, PIRLO AND ODDO’S VISIT
"This visit sent out a great message, I enjoyed it a lot. I’m happy with how my lads welcomed these former champions, lots of smiles were on display. The most fascinating thing about AC Milan is its history, the people involved here and how the club treats you. Milan’s organisation is impeccable, and this is something that everyone notices when they arrive. Now it’s up to us to make the club return to certain levels.”
THE SERIE A WOMEN’S MATCH BETWEEN JUVE AND AC MILAN
“Come on girls! It’ll be a difficult match. We have a great squad that always tries to play good football. I didn’t have any doubts about Carolina Morace, but it’s amazed me that she’s created such a great group in such a small amount of time. I wish her all the best.”
(Photo Getty Images)
