Gasperini claims Atalanta isn’t worried about Bayer ‘Neverlusen’ before the Europa League final

Atalanta coach Gian Piero Gasperini (66) expressed confidence as his team prepares to face Bayer Leverkusen, whom he likened to a tank, in the Europa League final. Gasperini emphasized that his side is not intimidated by the German champions as they aim to turn a good season into a great one in Dublin on Wednesday.

“They dominated the Bundesliga and are like a tank, but we are not afraid of them and will go there to play with courage and in good shape,” he told Sky Sport Italia on Saturday.

Xabi Alonso’s Leverkusen became the first team to complete a Bundesliga season without a loss, extending their unbeaten run across all competitions to 51 games. The club celebrated this feat by adopting a new nickname on social media – “Bayer 04 Neverlusen.”

“I think about that, I also think every run has to end sometime,” Gasperini added. “Atalanta can trouble Bayer Leverkusen too.”

The Bergamo club secured Champions League qualification with a 2-0 win over Lecce on Saturday, providing some consolation after losing the Italian Cup final to Juventus last week.

“Champions League qualification is an extraordinary result and these lads are going beyond all expectations,” Gasperini said. “I am truly happy with this and we need to dedicate it to everyone in Bergamo.”

Gasperini, who has been linked with a move to Napoli, did not rule out leaving Atalanta after eight years at the helm.

“We are playing Wednesday, then after that we’ll see,” he said. “What matters to me is the challenge and whether it is credible in the choices and evaluations; that is the most important thing.”