Atalanta's Boss Percassi: 'Proud as Punch' After Bayern Battering – Inter Awaits!
Atalanta CEO Luca Percassi expressed pride in reaching the Champions League last 16 despite a 6-1 loss to Bayern Munich, praising the fans' support. The club faces a tough Serie A clash with leaders Inter today amid recent poor form. Key players return, but historical struggles at San Siro loom large.
Atalanta's Pride Shines Through Bayern Blues
Picture this: Atalanta fans belting out chants like it's a cup final, even as Bayern Munich pile on the pain with a 6-1 Champions League demolition. Yeah, it was grim, but CEO Luca Percassi reckons it's all part of the journey. Speaking to DAZN Italia, he beamed about reaching the last 16 – the only Italian side to do so, mind you, on a budget that wouldn't buy half of Bayern's squad.
"We deserved to get there on merit," Percassi said, tipping his hat to the supporters who cheered the lads off despite the scoreline. Even the Germans were gobsmacked by the Bergamo roar. It's that grit that keeps La Dea dreaming big.
Recent Wobbles: From Coppa Heartbreak to Bayern Humbling
It's been a rough patch for Gasperini's boys. A 2-2 draw with Lazio in the Coppa Italia semis left a sour taste, then just one point from two Serie A games. Top that off with Serge Gnabry and co. running riot in the Gewiss Stadium – ouch.
Yet Percassi's not dwelling. "Bayern was a lesson we need to learn from," he admitted. With eyes on a top-four finish and Coppa glory, Atalanta's DNA is all about punching above their weight. As reported by Susy Campanale at Football Italia, the club's staying true to its roots.
Mario Pasalic's goal against Lazio shows they've still got spark, but consistency's the name of the game. Fans won't forget the passion, though – proper Bergamo spirit.
San Siro Showdown: Inter the Next Big Test
Today it's Inter at the San Siro, kick-off 14:00 GMT (15:00 CET). The Nerazzurri lead Serie A and haven't lost at home to Atalanta since 2014. Talk about a hoodoo.
Good news on the squad front: Giorgio Scalvini's back in defence post-injury, while Ederson and Charles De Ketelaere return to the bench after March absences. Shame Giacomo Raspadori's still sidelined.
Percassi nailed it: "It'll take our best shot. Inter are beasts, but we want no regrets." Expect a scrap – La Dea might nick something if they channel that Bayern defiance. You can track the action, plus Napoli-Lecce and Udinese-Juventus, on the liveblog.
Why Atalanta's Journey Matters
In a league of giants, Atalanta's the plucky underdog you can't help rooting for. Smaller wallet, massive heart. Percassi's pride isn't blind optimism; it's fuel for the fire. Whether they upset Inter or not, Bergamo's buzzing.
Raffaele Palladino's backing the gaffer too, and with Champions League pedigree fresh in mind, who's to say they can't spark a turnaround? Grab your scarf, lads – this one's got drama written all over it.