Mikel Arteta has outlined his admiration for Atalanta as Arsenal prepare to face the Italian side this evening.
Arsenal begin their Champions League campaign with a first-ever clash against the Serie A side in Bergamo, as the Gunners look to improve on last season’s run to the quarter-finals.
Arteta is anticipating a difficult challenge against Atalanta, however, who have punched above their weight under Gian Piero Gasperini. The Italians have become regulars in European competition during Gasperini’s reign and have challenged the traditional heavyweights of Serie A at the top end of the table.
Last season, Atalanta secured a first major trophy in 61 years after lifting the Europa League. Ademola Lookman’s hat-trick earned the club a 3-0 win in Dublin and ended Bayer Leverkusen’s 51-game unbeaten run in a final upset.
Gasperini’s side also beat Liverpool 3-0 at Anfield en route to that triumph and Arteta said he is full of admiration for his opposition number’s work in Bergamo.
Arteta hails Gasperni ahead of Atalanta clash
“The club has an amazing story and what Gasperini has done is amazing,” Arteta said at his pre-match press conference.
“I have a big admiration for what he has done in his career, not only for Atalanta but for other clubs. He’s a very important figure and what they achieved last season was incredible.
“It’s very difficult to play against them! They have a particular playing style which you see week-in, week-out and it’s very challenging for opponents coming up against them. In the last two seasons, the Premier League has changed a lot, you’ve got a lot of squads that are doing similar things to them and we need to be prepared ahead of tomorrow.
“I spoke with Riccardo (Calafiori) and Jorgi (Jorginho) as they know the team very well, they know the players and it’s always very important information to get a hold of. They’ve played in some great games against this squad during the last few seasons, and they’ve done very well.”
