Massimo Donati has told Celtic why they must not fear Atalanta ahead of their crunch Champions League showdown.
Brendan Rodgers and his troops have jetted out to Bergamo as they get ready for matchday three of Europe’s elite competition. The Hoops got off to a flying start by hammering Slovan Bratislava under the lights at Parkhead but last time out was a sobering experience for the Scottish champions as Borussia Dortmund smashed seven goals past Kasper Schmeichel in a night to forget. The games don’t get any easier as they head for Italy to face Serie A outfit and Europa League winners Atalanta in their own backyard.
But Donati – who has turned out for both Atalanta and Celtic in his career – also has inside knowledge on the man who will go head to head with Rodgers on the touchline in the shape of Gian Piero Gasperini. He played under him during a stint at Palermo and while he admits they did play some excellent football, he knows his current outfit are NOT invincible and Celtic showing any fear would be a huge mistake. He has told Celtic to not lose their identity and play the way they feel best – despite that horror night in Germany.
Speaking to STV Sport, he said: “Atalanta play 1 v 1, they don’t care if it is 4-4-2 or 4-3-2-1, they just go man to man and they try to press a lot, so for the opponents, Celtic in this case, it is never easy.
“I played under Gasperini at Palermo and he plays great football, we played some great football under him and when I was on the pitch I knew what I had to do with the ball or without the ball. But, I think you should never lose your identity, if Brendan Rodgers thinks he feels good playing a certain way with the team and the mentality then he has to do it.
“The most important thing is to have no fear, to go there and be scared of playing against Atalanta would be a mistake. Atalanta is not invincible, they have already lost a couple of games in the league this season as well.
“I would love a draw, both Celtic and Atalanta are very important to me, so I would be happy with a draw.”