Europa League, Liverpool-Atalanta: probable lineups, times and where to watch it on TV

Bologna, 10 April 2024 – Three Italian teams on the hunt of Europe League, two will clash with each other, Milan e Rome, the third will have a very tough challenge in the quarter-finals against Liverpool. Atalanta of Gasperini at the expense of Jurgen Klopp, but thanks to a success at Anfield three years ago which remains in the annals of the Bergamo Goddess. Gasp's team has just returned from a difficult double clash in the round of 16 with Lo Sporting, a draw in Lisbon and a narrow victory in Bergamo, while Liverpool demolished Sparta Prague 5-1 and 6-1, but if there is a team capable of performing a miracle it is Atalanta. Italy is therefore looking for that trophy which up until now has always been lacking, never a success since it was called the Europa League, after having dominated the old UEFA Cup for decades, the three remaining teams will try after the total elimination from the Champions League and with the Fiorentina to play for the Conference. Serie A wants a European trophy both for prestige but also for ranking and to deliver five teams to the Champions League next season. There will certainly be a team in the semi-final, the winner between Milan and Roma, while Atalanta is asked for a half-miracle against one of the best teams in Europe and still in contention to win the Premier League with Manchester City and Arsenal.  

Probable lineups

Challenge between two teams who play pleasant and proactive football at a high pace, made up of intensity, clearing and attacking depth. Klopp with the classic 4-3-3 with Bradley, Quansah, van Dijk and Robertson in defence, in midfield space for Szoboszlai, Endo and Mac Allister, while a fearsome trident in front Salah, Nunez, Diaz. Gasperini should instead confirm the 3-4-1-2 with Djimsiti, Hien and Kolasinac in defence, Scalvini is injured, Holm and Ruggeri the midfield quarters, Ederson and de Roon the centre-backs. In attack, behind the Scamacca striker, they will act Koopmeiners and De Ketelaere. LIVERPOOL (4-3-3) - Kelleher; Bradley, Quansah, van Dijk, Robertson; Szoboszlai, Endo, Mac Allister; Salah, Nunez, Diaz. Manager Jürgen Klopp ATALANTA (3-4-1-2) - Carnesecchi; Djimsiti, Hien, Kolasinac; Holm, de Roon, Ederson, Ruggeri; Koopmeiners; De Ketelaere, Scamacca. Coach Gian Piero Gasperini

Statistics and curiosities

The two teams have already faced each other in the group stages of the 2020/2021 Champions League. Atalanta suffered a tough 0-5 home defeat, but responded with a sumptuous 0-2 victory at Anfield thanks to Ilicic e Goossens. In general, Atalanta is one of the three European teams to have beaten both Liverpool teams away together with Benfica and Lyon, in fact the Dea also prevailed at Goodison Park against Everton by 1-5 in November 2017 in the Europa League.

The words of the technicians

Maximum respect from Jurgen Klopp towards Atalanta, with Gasperini who already beat him in the past at Anfileld. The Reds coach was asked if Guardiola's definition 'playing against Atalanta is like going to the dentist' can be defined as appropriate. Here is the answer: “I think so - smiles Klopp - Gasperini is doing a great job, many say we are favorites but I don't think that's the case. Atalanta she is very organized and can become annoying. We've studied it a lot and I appreciate everything they do." Identity, game, pace, what does Klopp appreciate most about the Nerazzurri? “They are a consistent team with clear ideas and precise game development. The identity is evident and the team is having incredible continuity. You can see the soul of the team and I really like this." However, the German coach refused to answer transfer questions about next season and will certainly not coach in Italy: "I know the food about Italy - his joke - But as for whether I will coach in Serie A or not, ask me in a year". Gasperini, however, he wants to enjoy the atmosphere of Anfield with the support, because three years ago there was the pandemic and the public was banned from the stadiums: "It's always a thrill to come here, one of the most beautiful stadiums in Europe. We want to enjoy it because it will be the real Anfield given that the last time we came there was no crowd - Gasp's comment who focuses on Atalanta's pride to make up for the defeat against Cagliari - It was a heavy knockout and which canceled out Napoli's victory, but we are playing against the top teams in the Premier League and we want to redeem ourselves. We will have to do our best and make a good impression, knowing that they are playing with great intensity Atalanta, who are still competing in three competitions, defeated in the first leg in Florence in the semi-final of the Italian Cup: “We play so much that the mood changes quickly, but we also need to maintain balance which means not getting too depressed when we lose and not getting too excited when you win”, Gasperini's thought. And no one expects a Liverpool distracted by the brawl in the Premier League: “No, not at all, they never get distracted. It will be a great chance for us to compete against a great team." Great mutual respect between Gasp and Klopp: “Jurgen has always had a precise identity and he also demonstrated it in Dortmund, then at Liverpool he defined an era and there is certainly a difference between the two realities. We have to sell to get younger, but I think it will be a good match between two teams with a clear playing philosophy." And watch out for Liverpool's run: "Well, Klopp he always says that the thing that makes him happy is when his players run more than the others. He did a great job."

Where to see it on TV

Liverpool-Atalanta, first leg of the Europa League quarter-finals, will be played on Thursday 11 April at 21pm at Anfield, live on Sky Sport Calcio, channel 202, and Sky Sport 253. Streaming on Sky Go, Now TV and Dazn. Read also - Europa League, Milan-Roma. Pioli: "We want to demonstrate that we are competitive in Europe"