Ajax’s 0-13 victory over VVV-Venlo last Saturday has not gone unnoticed in Italian football circles. “I was shocked when I heard that”, Sam Lammers freely admits. The 23-year-old attacker, who was recently taken over from PSV, is with Atalanta in preparation for the duel with Ajax in the group stage of the Champions League.

“Bizarre actually. And everyone has received it”, Lammers continues his conversation with the NOS. However, the strong striker of Atalanta does not want to dwell too long on Ajax’s monster victory last weekend. “You shouldn’t attach too much importance to it either, because today will be a completely different match. I expect that it will be a fun match with two attacking teams. Ajax has impressed with last weekend as the pinnacle. They come here with confidence. But we have started well in the Champions League (0-4 victory over FC Midtjylland, ed.) and will play open. “

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Lammers had a starting place at Atalanta for the first time last Saturday against Sampdoria (1-3 defeat). It remains to be seen whether trainer Gian Piero Gasperini will also let him appear at the kick-off against Ajax. “Whether I am in the starting line-up against Ajax? This trainer only makes the decision on the day of the match. It is not the case that if you see a vest, you know it immediately. So we have to wait and see. We have a good team. “

Atalanta’s million-dollar acquisition feels at home in Bergamo. “It works well”, said the attacker who came over from PSV. “It has been quite a switch to Italy. I ended up at a very nice club and in a very beautiful city. I am having a great time.” Lammers does not yet speak the Italian language. “I first have to pass all messages in the group app through Google Translate”, he admits with a smile. Teammate Marten de Roon often acts as an interpreter. “He helps a little with what the coach wants from me. Gasperini has a very clear vision and game image. All players know exactly what he expects from them.”