Atalanta coach Raffaele Palladino expects Tuesday’s Champions League last‑16 tie against Bayern Munich at the Gewiss Stadium in Bergamo to be a “magical night”.
The first leg against the German champions takes place at the Gewiss Stadium in Bergamo on Tuesday jight.
Palladino told reporters he relishes the challenge of facing one of Europe’s top sides. “This is a big night for us,” he said. “For all the players and our fans, it will be something special. We want to enjoy the atmosphere, give everything and make life difficult for a top team.”
La Dea reached this stage in dramatic fashion. After losing the first leg of their playoff tie against Borussia Dortmund 2‑0, Atalanta won the return leg 4-1 at home to progress. Palladino later described that comeback as one of the club’s greatest achievements, saying it was “probably the best game I ever experienced in my coaching career”.
Despite that heroics, Atalanta go into this tie with major absences. Key attackers Charles De Ketelaere and Giacomo Raspadori will miss the match through injury, while defender Giorgio Scalvini is suspended and midfielder Ederson is doubtful with a niggle. These setbacks could limit Atalanta’s options in attack and midfield.
Palladino acknowledged the squad’s constraints but backed those available to rise to the occasion. “I would have liked a full squad, especially in attack,” he said. “But whoever plays will give 100 per cent for this shirt. We want to end these first ninety minutes knowing we’ve done our best for our supporters.”
Bayern arrive with their own injury concerns – captain Manuel Neuer is out and recent reports suggest striker Harry Kane trained well and looks set to play, giving the German side a major attacking threat.
Palladino stressed Atalanta must stick to their style. “Bayern have quality in attack, but we must never drop our tempo,” he said. “Intensity is our greatest strength.”
