Atalanta boss Edy Reja has revealed that his team will try their best to close their season with a victory over AC Milan at home on Saturday.
The Orobici have been on a positive run despite their position in 17th place with 37 points, having lost just once in their previous eight Serie A matches, and the tactician is hoping that his men can please the home fans in Bergamo one more time by earning all three points against the Rossoneri, which would also bring La Dea up to their goal of 40 points despite already securing safety this term.
Reja spoke during his pre-match press conference on Friday about Atalanta’s mission to end the campaign on a high note and commented on the some of the players he’ll consider using going into the clash, including striker German Denis.
“We would like to conclude this season in the best possible way,” said the 69-year-old.
“I understand that there will be a great crowd, which has made me very pleased because now the guys will be able to play in a beautiful setting after earning salvation.
“This also further demonstrates the passion of the fans in Bergamo. We would like to give them a great game so they can go home happy, they have always remained loyal even when results weren’t the best.
“A victory would also give us 40 points, so if we win then we can say that we earned salvation ourselves, not because other teams failed to.
“Milan did very well in their last game against Torino, I’m convinced that this will be a good game. I’m hoping that recent results can motivate us.
“Denis will be back in attack, he has a great desire to play so we hope that he can get some more goals. It would be a great satisfaction for him, this was a season where he did many important things for us.
“I liked the way Daniele Baselli and Alberto Grassi played against Chievo, so I could use them again.
“Lionel Scaloni also deserves an appearance for his militancy, so I’ll see if I can give him some playing time.
“The dinner I offered to the team? It was a promise I made and I kept it. And I must say that it was very nice for all of us to spend an evening together because you could really see the harmony and team spirit that I’ve found here at Atalanta.”
