Liverpool could end up facing an ‘ordeal’ when they take on Atalanta in the Europa League next quarter-finals next month.
That’s according to Italian icon Cesare Prandelli, who believes Liverpool should not underestimate the Serie A side.
Liverpool were drawn against Atalanta in the Europa League draw earlier this week, with the two sides first set to clash at Anfield on April 11th.
Jurgen Klopp’s side will head into that game as big favourites given the two sides respective seasons so far, with the Reds competing at the top of the Premier League table again and Atalanta currently 6th in the table in Serie A.
Momentum certainly appears to be with Klopp and his squad at this point in time, with them determined to secure a huge and momentous end to the season before Klopp leaves Liverpool in the summer.
They will also move into the clash after a confident last 16 double header against Sparta Prague, who they beat 5-1 and 6-1 over the two legs while Atalanta had to battle to beat Sporting Club de Portugal 2-1 at home after a 1-1 draw in the first leg.
Prandelli, though, believes the tie could be more of a challenge for Liverpool than they are imagining, as Klopp will have no point of reference for the Italian side.
“Is there room for Atalanta to do the feat? Yes, there is, even if the Reds are very strong,” Calciomercato report him saying to Gazzetta dello Sport.
“But they are matches in which you want to be there 100%. And so, when you go on the pitch you give everything.
“I think that for Klopp, facing Atalanta could become an ordeal. Nobody in England plays like them, Klopp has no direct references in the Premier League.”
