Arteta hails Gasperini impact, expects tough challenge

Mikel Arteta was full of praise for Atalanta boss Gian Piero Gasperini as the two men gear up for tonight’s Champions League showdown in Bergamo.

In the first of eight group stage matches, the Gunners face a tough challenge against a team that shared the same seeding pot, following their Europa League triumph in May.

The Italian side sent shockwaves through Europe when they stunned the previously unbeaten Bayer Leverkusen with a 3-0 victory in Dublin, ending a 61-year wait for major silverware.

“The club has an amazing story and what Gasperini has done is amazing,” said Arteta in his pre-game 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 and we’ll see how tomorrow goes.”

Arteta is right to praise Gasperini given the 66-year-old has led Atalanta, a club who used to regularly bob between Italy’s top two divisions, to top four finishes in six of the last eight Serie A campaigns.

Along the way, the Nerazzurri have gained considerable experience in Europe, including a run to the quarter-finals of the 2019/20 Champions League.

Arteta actually came up against Atalanta that year as an assistant coach with Manchester City. While Pep Guardiola’s side made light work of the Italians at home – a 5-1 win – they drew 1-1 away in the group stage.

“It’s very difficult to play against them,” remarked Arteta. “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 the match.”

Arteta also revealed he had chatted to Riccardo Calafiori and Jorginho to get an Italian perspective on a tricky opponent.

“I spoke with Riccardo and Jorgi as they know the team very well, they know the players and it’s always very important information to get a hold of,” he said.

“They’ve played in some great games against this squad during the last few seasons, and they’ve done very well.”

Arsenal’s challenge won’t just be on the pitch. Atalanta’s supporters are known for creating an electric atmosphere at the 25,000-capacity Gewiss Stadium.

“Hopefully we have learned and we can show the composure, the determination and the belief that is very important at these stages,” said Arteta when asked if his side is better prepared to deal with hostility on the terraces.

“We know what we are going to be facing – and it’s going to be tough. But the team is ready and prepared.”