Percassi on ‘truly special night’ for Atalanta in Europe

Atalanta director Luca Percassi can hardly believe they are hosting Olympique Marseille for a place in the Europa League Final. ‘It will truly be a special night.’

It kicks off at the Gewiss Stadium in Bergamo at 20.00 UK time (19.00 GMT).

You can follow all the build-up and action as it happens from this game and Bayer Leverkusen-Roma on the LIVEBLOG.

The first leg ended 1-1 at the Stade Velodrome, so with no away goals rule in the tournament, it is winner takes all tonight.

Gian Piero Gasperini is certainly not holding back, as he starts Gianluca Scamacca, Ademola Lookman, Charles De Ketelaere and Teun Koopmeiners together, plus Marten de Roon in defence.

“It’s a big game, it’s truly fantastic to be able to play this fixture in Bergamo and there is a great atmosphere. It will truly be a special night,” Percassi told Sky Sport Italia.

“In these situations, even just driving from the Zingonia training ground to the stadium, you feel these unique emotions. We are playing in our stadium and for us Bergamo locals that makes us so proud. Seeing the joy and emotion in the eyes of our fans is remarkable.”

Atalanta are one of the few clubs in Italy who managed to build their own stadium, reworking the old arena in conjunction with the local council.

Not the only Atalanta trophy up for grabs

They are also in the Coppa Italia Final against Juventus on May 15, while on Sunday they go head-to-head with Roma for fifth place in Serie A, which would be worth qualification for the Champions League.

“Fatigue disappears when you are fighting for so many competitions this late in the campaign, that means we are doing something truly remarkable. After that, obviously every match becomes crucial because we know what is at stake and what Atalanta could win,” smiled Percassi.