Atalanta can take an important step towards wintering in the Champions League on Tuesday evening at the expense of Ajax. The team of Gian Piero Gasperini played a lot against FC Midtjylland (0-4) last week, while Ajax lost 0-1 to Liverpool at the same time. The eighth finals are out of sight for Ajax when it is six points behind Atalanta and Liverpool on Tuesday evening. However, Atalanta is living proof that even then anything is possible.

Atalanta had only one point after four group duels last season, but still managed to pass Manchester City at the expense of Shakhtar Donetsk and Dinamo Zagreb. “Eliminating Ajax is not yet possible”, Hans Hateboer laughs on Tuesday The Telegraph. “We can, however, deliver a blow in our own stadium, ensure that Ajax is rested for eight seconds. I am really curious about the balance of forces. ”

Fun is the magic word at Atalanta, which has finished third in Serie A for the past two seasons. “Our great strength is that our selection has remained intact over the years. What is expected defensively has been ingrained for so long that everyone knows exactly. And from that organization, that very clear system, we as players have an incredible amount of freedom ”, he explains. “It is a pleasure to play like this. Especially for me, because my qualities really come into their own in our game. ”

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Hateboer does not see a favorite for the victory in Bergamo. “I think we are equal. It can also be a really fun game due to our offensive playing styles. ” Hateboer does not know who he finds opposite him. “Dusan Tadic can be there. Although he is usually a striker in Europe. And Antony, David Neres and Quincy Promes can play on the left. I know Quincy from the Dutch national team, so I am aware of his qualities and would see it as a challenge to compete with him. Ajax is always good at playing football, so I’m curious. ”