Palladino: ‘Atalanta must always be aggressive and go on the attack’

Raffaele Palladino insists Atalanta won’t hold back against Udinese, even with Bayern Munich coming up. ‘Going all out is in our DNA, we must attack and be aggressive.’

It kicks off at the New Balance Arena in Bergamo at 17.00 GMT (18.00 CET).

You can follow all the build-up and action as it happens from today’s Serie A games on the Liveblog.

La Dea are stretched thin by being the only team still in three tournaments, as they held Lazio 2-2 in the first leg of the Coppa Italia semi-final on Wednesday, and are preparing for the Champions League Round of 16 with Bayern Munich on Tuesday.

However, do not expect Atalanta to take their foot off the gas for today’s Serie A match with Udinese.

Palladino will never leash Atalanta potential

“I cannot tell my team to hold back. Going all out is in our DNA, it has been long before I arrived at Atalanta, our mentality must be to attack and be aggressive,” Palladino told DAZN Italia.

“We’ve seen against Sassuolo, for example, that the moment we don’t do that, we slip up.”

Last week, Atalanta fell to a surprising 2-1 Serie A defeat to Sassuolo, damaging their prospects of a top four finish and Champions League qualification.

“We know playing is also a way of training, so we try to give 100 per cent in every match. It doesn’t always work, but our idea must be to go on the attack.”

There are some changes, as USMNT midfielder Yunus Musah receives a rare start in the Atalanta jersey following his move from Milan.

“He has some characteristics we need right now, especially against one of the most physically strong teams in the league. He can give us intensity, he scored two goals in his last two games, and I ask him to defend well. With Ederson out, there are only three midfielders, so he is making the most of the opportunity to make his mark.”

Palladino also outlined his changes based on neutralising the strengths of an Udinese side who beat Fiorentina 3-0 last week.

“I make my choices based on the characteristics of the squad and the opponents. Kolasinac is good at reading the spaces, Udinese play 3-5-1-1 with Zaniolo behind the striker, Ekkelenkamp will attack the space and try to get behind our defenders, so we are prepared.

“It’s going to be a game decided by the individual duels, whoever wins those will have the best chances of winning the match.”

Before kick-off, Palladino will receive his award as Serie A Coach of the Month for Februrary.

“I might be banal, but this prize belongs to everyone, because I can do zero by myself. The club chose me and supported me, the directors and staff shared all the preparation with me, and naturally the biggest credit for results goes to the players on the field. I share the prize with everyone.”