Palladino: Facing Bayern in Champions League is a “magical night” | OneFootball

The crucial stage of the European campaign begins for Atalanta BC, who welcome FC Bayern Munich for the first leg of their UEFA Champions League round-of-16 clash.

For the club from Bergamo, it promises to be a historic evening: the two sides will meet in an official match for the first time, with one of Europe’s most decorated teams arriving in Lombardy.

The occasion carries particular significance for Atalanta. Having eliminated Borussia Dortmund in the play-off round, the Italian side now stands as the only representative from Italy still competing in this season’s Champions League.

They approach the tie with renewed confidence as well, having shown resilience at the weekend by recovering from a two-goal deficit to draw 2–2 with Udinese, with Gianluca Scamacca scoring twice to rescue a point.

That comeback reflected the mentality that has characterised the team since the arrival of head coach Raffaele Palladino.

The Italian manager has maintained the club’s trademark intensity while guiding the side through another memorable European campaign. Speaking ahead of the clash with Bayern, Palladino highlighted the importance of the atmosphere in Bergamo, recalling how the supporters helped inspire the victory over Dortmund.

The coach believes the crowd could once again play a decisive role on Tuesday night, especially against an opponent with far greater experience at this level.

“Tomorrow the fans will be our extra weapon,” Palladino said as he looked ahead to the match. “They are our energy and our positive drive. I asked for a fiery stadium against Dortmund, and the supporters responded brilliantly; they helped us enormously that night. I’m sure they will be by our side again, and we can’t wait to get on the pitch.”

If the atmosphere promises to be electric, the challenge itself is equally daunting. Bayern arrive in excellent form and with an attacking unit capable of troubling any defence in Europe. Palladino acknowledged that his players will need to pay attention to every detail in order to compete against a side with such quality across the pitch.

Discussing the tactical challenge his team will face, the Atalanta manager praised Bayern’s balance and the individual ability within their squad, while also expressing excitement about testing his players against one of the strongest teams in the competition.

“I expect a very difficult match,” Palladino explained. “They are a complete team in every department. They know how to defend and attack, and they have great individual players in the attacking line. There are players who can beat you one against one, players with pace who attack the space and players who link the play very well. We must be careful with every detail because it will be a big challenge against a very strong team.”

Despite Bayern’s pedigree in European competitions, Atalanta are determined to approach the tie without fear.

Palladino openly admitted that the German champions will start as favourites, but he also emphasised that knockout ties over two legs can produce surprises.

Reflecting on the opportunity ahead of his team, the coach spoke about the pride within the club at reaching this stage and the desire to make the most of the moment.

“They are an extremely strong team, and of course they will start as favourites,” Palladino admitted. “They have much more experience in this competition, and they reach the final stages very often. But in football, everything is possible. We don’t want to put limits on ourselves. For us, it’s a moment of growth and a source of great pride to be here at this stage.”

Alongside the coach at the pre-match press conference was experienced midfielder Mario Pašalić, one of the longest-serving players in the current Atalanta squad. The Croatian international has witnessed the club’s rise in European football first-hand, having joined eight years ago during a very different era for the Bergamo side.

For Pašalić, matches like this represent the fulfilment of a childhood dream, but also proof of how far the club has progressed in recent seasons.

“Playing in the Champions League is always something special,” he said. “It’s the dream of every child when they start playing football, to perform at the highest level and face the strongest teams. Over the years, I’ve played many matches against big clubs. At the beginning, we were just happy to take part, but now we’ve reached the point where we can compete on equal terms.”

Atalanta’s rise in European football has been built on collective spirit and relentless intensity, qualities that Palladino believes will again be essential against Bayern. The coach described Tuesday’s match as a memorable occasion for the entire city, but one that must still be approached with courage and focus.

“It’s a historic night, a magical night for us,” Palladino said. “Being in the round of 16 against such a strong team is a dream. But dreams must be lived with open eyes. We want to enjoy this beautiful evening in front of our supporters and test ourselves against one of the best teams in the world.”

Pašalić echoed that sentiment, stressing that the team’s more experienced players will have an important role in helping the squad approach the match with confidence.

“We know we are playing against probably the favourites,” he said with a smile. “But we earned the right to play this match. The most important thing is to have the courage to compete. We will enjoy the moment and then give everything on the pitch to show what we can do.”

On Tuesday night, in front of a passionate home crowd, Atalanta will therefore attempt to write another chapter in their remarkable European journey. Against one of the giants of the game, the Italian side may begin as underdogs, but nights of Champions League football in Bergamo have rarely lacked drama.