Everton are already out, but the Italian’s still fear the Premier League side.
Wayne Rooney of Everton in action with Remo Freuler of Atalanta
Everton’s dreadful Europa League campaign continues this evening, as they face Italian side Atalanta at Goodison Park. The Toffees were swept aside when the two sides met in Italy in the reverse fixture and since then they have been dumped out of the competition completely – as well as sacked their manager Ronald Koeman.
But despite the Merseysider’s woes the Serie A club are not ready to take them lightly. The club’s manager Gian Piero Gasperini insists they will not be taking them lightly.
Atalanta BC coach Gian Piero Gasperini
He is quoted by Football Italia as making it clear he expects a tough game, whilst also admitting being surprised at Everton’s poor performances:
“There’s no such thing as an easy game in England, as their teams are always tough to face, so we’re certainly not taking it for granted…
“I don’t know if Atalanta were a positive surprise in the Europa League group, but Everton’s results have certainly been a negative surprise.”
Everton will also want to take the game seriously, as they look for any way to kick off some sort of momentum into their languid season.
Atalanta BC coach Gian Piero Gasperini
Caretaker boss David Unsworth may indeed use this game as a chance to see some of his fringe and youth players in action.
That might backfire, considering the words of Gasperini. But when taking into account the efforts of some Everton players this season, a change might be for the better.
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