Europa League final: Atalanta coach banks on Lookman, others to deliver

Atalanta coach Gian Piero Gasperini said his side is ready for Wednesday’s Europa League final against Bayer Leverkusen at the Aviva Stadium in Dublin. Ireland.
Speaking ahead of the tie against the unbeaten German Bundesliga champions Gasperini stated that his players are in good form and ready to face the pressure of playing against Bayer Leverkusen who are the favourites.
Gasperini explained that his side are full of confidence and self-belief, having defeated high-profile teams such as Marseille, Liverpool and Sporting CP, whom they played four times, on their way to the Europa League final.
They also secured their position in the 2024-25 edition of the Champions League on Sunday, having mathematically secured fifth place in Serie A, which is enough to qualify this year given Italy’s additional spot in the competition.
“Reaching the Champions League on Sunday was a massive step, and one that allows us to fully concentrate on this final now,” Gasperini told the press, reported via TMW.
“Everyone will be there tomorrow. Gianluca Scamacca will be there, Ademola Lookman will be there, Charles De Ketelaere will be there, the attacking department is complete, and so, we can prepare for 90 minutes or more.”
“It was certainly very positive, but the overriding feeling is one of anticipation, in the sense that we believe we have prepared everything we need to prepare for. Now we wait to do battle.”
Berat Djimsiti who is expected to captain the side Wednesday due to the absence regular captain Rafael Toloi and  his deputy Marten De Roon added that the team is united and ready for the clash.
 “As a team, that is our philosophy. It will be important to remain united and defend well on the pitch.
“I don’t know if we were really favourites against Juventus. They’re a great team who are used to playing in finals. Tomorrow I don’t think we are favourites either, we’ll concentrate on ourselves.”