Colantuono: Atalanta must try and contain Gervinho

Date: 12th April 2014 at 7:30am
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Atalanta coach Stefano Colantuono has highlighted Gervinho as the danger man for Roma ahead of the Nerazzurri’s trip to the capital on Saturday.

Despite slipping up at home to Sassuolo last weekend, La Dea still have a realistic chance of qualifying for Europe and thetactician is hoping his side can replicate their performance which earned them a 1-1 draw in the reverse fixture against the Lupi.

“Roma are very attack-minded, however in regards to years gone by they are better in defence,” the 51-year-old told reporters at his press conference.

“Garcia has improved Roma both tactically and mentally, he has also done well to sign players who were not well known in Italy, such as Gervinho.

“In the reverse fixture we managed to draw a great game and I would like a repeat of that performance.”

The former Torino coach then turned his attention to the capital sides Ivorian winger, admitting that all the Nerazzurri can do is hope to contain him by preventing him space to run in behind their defence.

“You can’t stop Gervinho, you can only hope to contain players like him by preventing him 4o to 50 metre’s of space in behind the defence.

“It’s doesn’t take a rocket scientist to figure that out. It’s clear that on paper the Giallorossi are superior to us, however there is everything to play for.”

The Orobici boss concluded by insisting that qualification for the Europa League was still achievable.

“The loss [against Sassuolo] hasn’t changed anything, there is still a chapter to be written.

“The championship ends in May and we will play to the death every game.

“At the moment Parma are favourites but we won’t give up and we will try to collect points at the Stadio Olimpico that keep our hopes alive.”

Follow Luca Hodges-Ramon on Twitter: @LH_Ramon25

 

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