Italy international Gianluca Scamacca insists every European match is ‘different’ as proved by last season’s Conference League Final won by West Ham and insists Atalanta must not think about Bayer Leverkusen’s unbeaten run.
Atalanta lost the Coppa Italia Final to Juventus on Wednesday night, but have an even bigger target next week when they’ll be facing Bundesliga champions Bayer Leverkusen in the Europa League Final.
“There is always something to learn from defeats and surely we’ll remember the lesson for the next Final,” Scamacca told Sky Sport Italia.
The Italian striker was unavailable against Juventus yesterday, serving a one-match ban.
“I think we played a good game; we left everything on the pitch, and of course, margins are decisive. This is football and these things happen,” said the striker.
Has he asked himself whether he could have helped his teammates at the Olimpico?
“I’ve asked it to myself, but it’s hard and far too easy to reply now,” he argued.
“It was a great target to reach two finals in one season, for us and the club. We must learn from this disappointment and turn it into energy for next Wednesday.
Scamacca explains West Ham lesson for Atalanta ahead of UEL Final
“I am only trying to give my best, help the team and bring the cup home,” he continued.
What’s his take on Leverkusen?
“They have incredible numbers. I think they haven’t lost in a year, but it starts from 0-0 and we’ll play until the end,” said Scamacca.
The Italian striker does not think the Germans will be an easier opponent than Juventus.
“I don’t know. They haven’t lost for a year and there must be a reason for it. I don’t think it will be easier,” he said.
“There will be more at stake than last night. It will be a tough match, but if we’ve reached this final we are as good as them.
“We should not feel pressure, only tension. It’s a nice moment and we don’t know when it’s going to happen again so we just have fun and enjoy it. If we win as well, it’d be the best thing.”
Scamacca won the Conference League with West Ham last season but didn’t play in the Final against Fiorentina due to an injury. The 25-year-old feels the Hammers’ win last season should inspire La Dea next week.
“Last season, we probably finished 12th with West Ham; I can’t remember, so games, especially in Europe, are always something different,” he said.
“We must not think about them [Leverkusen] being unbeaten for a year, but focus on ourselves, develop and die for our ideas.”