Atalanta coach, Gian Piero Gasperini has sent a clear warning to Real Madrid, assuring fans that the Super Eagles talisman, Ademola Lookman, is in best shape to feature in tonight’s UEFA Super Cup.
The Super Cup is an annual match between the winners of last season’s Champions League and Europa League.
For La Dea, this is an extra reward having won their first ever UEFA tournament in May, that saw them beat favourites Bayer Leverkusen 3-0 in the Final with an Lookman hat-trick, but going into this match, Teun Koopmeiners refused to play because he wants to force through a transfer to Juventus, with Nicolò Zaniolo, Gianluca Scamacca and Giorgio Scalvini all injured.
Gasperini who addressed the media yesterday ahead of the clash with Real Madrid, dismissing concerns over player absences due to injuries and transfers. The two sides meet in Warsaw, and ahead of the game, Gasperini touched on a number of issues impacting his team.
“For me, it’s crucial that the team plays well without worrying about who is there and who isn’t.
“This is an exciting game for everyone. Lookman was among the first to train at Zingonia since July 10.” Those who started earlier are in better condition, and this applies to Real as well. He is among the players who are in the best shape.”
“The prediction is even more closed than with Bayer; it’s an even bigger obstacle, but the motivation is also greater. Sometimes predictions are overturned. I hope they play their best lineup.”
On Ancelotti, “What Carlo has done is evident to everyone, with many different teams and in different countries. He is a reference for all coaches worldwide. We did the course at Coverciano together; he was coaching Juve while I was in the youth sector. There is great respect between us, and it’s nice to meet in such a prestigious final. It’s a great achievement for me too.”