Marten de Roon said Atalanta wanted to “make this a night to remember” when they return to the Champions League against Arsenal at the newly renovated stadium.
Kick-off at the Gewiss Stadium in Bergamo will take place at 20:00 UK time (19:00 GMT).
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Fresh from winning the Europa League trophy, La Dea return to the Champions League and host one of the Premier League contenders.
They are doing so at the completed stadium, which underwent further restructuring work over the summer and only reopened this weekend with a 3-2 win over Fiorentina in Serie A.
“Under the lights it’s something special. Our last Champions League game here was more than three years ago, but now that the stadium is full we have to make sure it’s a night we won’t forget,” De Roon told Sky Sport Italia.
De Roon wants intensity against Atalanta
Arsenal pushed Manchester City all the way in the Premier League title race last season and are coming off a win against Tottenham Hotspur.
“We have to be very intense, as Arsenal are playing well, we have to be aggressive, make them play badly and then play our own football, as always. We have the advantage of playing at home, but the most important thing is to prove this intensity.”
It’s been a tough summer for Atalanta, losing several players to injury or transfers, while others, like Ademola Lookman, have ultimately remained on the bench. How does coach Gian Piero Gasperini ensure that the new players are ready?
“We do what we always do. The coach teaches the new players the moves, but they are smart and eager to prove themselves with our team. We want to prove ourselves today,” De Roon concluded.
“We hope for a victory, a good result.”
