EUROPA LEAGUE FINAL: History in the making for Atalanta in their first-ever European final – ‘We need to make sure that we’re the very best version of ourselves’

Leverkusen are highly motivated ahead of the final, as they are on the verge of a string of records, including pulling off a Treble and going through the entire season unbeaten.

Atalanta are not a club that have known much title or trophy success. They won the Coppa Italia in 1963, won the Serie B six times and the Serie C once.

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Their best-ever finish in the Serie A were their third-place finishes in the 2018/19, 2019/20 and 2020/21 seasons. They also reached the Coppa Italia final in 2018/19, where they lost 2–0 to Lazio.

While Leverkusen’s pedigree and form make them the overwhelming favourite, the reality is that any team can win a one-off final in Europe.

Atalanta will also be buoyed by having secured a place in next season’s Champions League by securing fifth place in the Serie A. They also made it to the final of the Coppa Italia again this season, losing 1-0 to Juventus.

“Qualifying for the Champions League is best we can achieve at Atalanta, it’s not like we can aim to win Serie A,” said Atlanta coach Gian Piero Gasperini after his side’s 2-0 win over Lecce on Saturday.

“We were a bit tired in the final with Juventus… between now and Wednesday we need to make sure that we’re the very best version our ourselves.”

One of the stars of Atalanta’s season has been Belgium striker Charles De Ketelaere, who is on loan from AC Milan, with an option to buy. De Ketelaere has scored 14 goals and made eight assists this season, in the process becoming a vital cog in Gasperini’s attacking formation.

“Gasperini’s style of play gives me confidence. I’m disappointed that I didn’t do at Milan what I’ve done with Atalanta, but I’ve had a great season here,” said De Ketelaere after Saturday’s win.