Percassi on Atalanta fan power in Coppa Italia and Gasperini tears
Atalanta director Luca Percassi is glad they’ll have home advantage for tonight’s Coppa Italia semi-final against Lazio, and gives his response to Roma coach Gian Piero Gasperini’s tears.
It kicks off at the New Balance Arena in Bergamo at 20.00 UK time (21.00 CEST).
You can follow all the build-up and action as it happens on the Liveblog.
The first leg ended 2-2 in Rome on March 4, and there is no away goals rule, so if it ends in a draw after 90 minutes, it goes to extra time and potentially even a penalty shoot-out.
Whoever wins will go through to face Inter in the one-off Final at the Stadio Olimpico on May 13.
Percassi focus on Atalanta success
“We know how much this game is worth and are happy to play it in front of our fans with a passionate atmosphere,” Percassi told Sport Mediaset.
“The fans have an impact, but on the field is a very strong opponent that already proved it on Saturday by beating Napoli. We hope to do well.”
Atalanta famously have one of the best youth academies in Italian football, regularly churning out talents, and more are waiting in the wings.
“We already have quite a few youth products in the first team, we hope more will make that step soon. There is certainly talent in our youth academy, and I am convinced there are strong foundations for Italian football to become competitive again at an international level.”
Isak Hien is the only injury absentee, as Charles De Ketelaere, Giorgio Scalvini and Sead Kolasinac all shook off knocks, but Nikola Krstovic is again preferred to Gianluca Scamacca.
Although Atalanta are still in the running for Europe via Serie A positions, winning the Coppa Italia would guarantee Europa League qualification, as well as a trophy.
They won the Coppa Italia in 1963, but lost the Final in 1987, 1996, 2019, 2021 and 2024.
Percassi was asked for his reaction when he saw Roma coach Gian Piero Gasperini break down in tears when talking about his bond with Antonio Percassi, the President of Atalanta and Luca’s father.
“We had some very special moments together, nine extraordinary years, so naturally when going back over some stories, the emotions take over. Unfortunately, football doesn’t give you time for that, so we are very concentrated on the present and the future.”