19 February 2015
Atalanta boss Stefano Colantuono believes the Bianconeri’s continued desire to fight for every ball is the determining factor behind their lofty standing at the summit of Serie A.
The 52-year-old, whose Nerazzurri outfit travel to Juventus Stadium on Friday night, is expecting a tough encounter against a side he feels will be unaffected by Tuesday’s Champions League tie against Borussia Dortmund.
Speaking to the media in Bergamo, Colantuono began: “Juventus always face every game as if it were their last – their strength is their mentality. Cesena gave them problems in the first half last week, but if Vidal had scored the penalty, they would have won regardless. Could the Champions League game be a distraction for them? I hope so but I doubt it.”
Another crucial component of the Bianconeri machine in Colantuono’s eyes is the influence of manager Massimiliano Allegri, whose qualities came in for praise from his opposite number during this afternoon’s press conference.
“Allegri’s a great coach and I’m not just saying that because he’s my friend. He already displayed his qualities with Milan and he’s showing them again at Juventus. I’m not in the least bit surprised by the job he’s doing.”
In order to deprive his friend of points, the Rome-born tactician, who has been in the Nerazzurri hotseat since 2010, admits his men will have to be at their very best from start to finish at Juventus Stadium.
“We’ll need a great performance. It’s important for us to plug the gaps and show courage when chances come our way. Only the knowledge of having given our all will help us accept the final outcome, whatever it may be.”
