Lucarelli: "A comeback is difficult, but not impossible"

Cristiano Lucarelli represented Atalanta and Valencia CF at the end of the 1990s, and knows the characteristics of both clubs ahead of their Tuesday meeting in the Champions League. He spoke to VCF Media this week, and noted that "If Atalanta think that they are through already, that would be a mistake. Valencia CF can come back. Will it be difficult? Yes, but not impossible. They are a team who are used to important games."

The game being held behind closed doors is an unknown factor, as Lucarelli notes.

"It's hard to make a prediction. When you play with no fans it's all very strange. Anything can happen, because it's a special game. It's not going to seem like a Champions League knockout tie, so anything is possible. If I were Atalanta, I wouldn't be overlooking Valencia CF."

“Silence could even be an advantage, removing pressure and allowing them to play more calmly. That goal in Milan gives hope. It's a better result than 3-0. I still think that it won't be easy, but we have seen many magic nights and that could be repeated on Tuesday."

Lucarelli says that the Bergamo-based side will offer Valencia CF chances.
“They are a side who play very freely in attack and leave space. That's what Valencia CF will have to take advantage of. They aren't a typical 'Catenaccio' side -completely the opposite. They are open and don't worry about defending. That's where the personality of the Valencia CF players comes in. If they are able to do things, they will have their chances to go through."

“They play in the same way both home and away, whether it be in LaLiga, the Copa del Rey or the Champions League. I don't think that they believe they are already through. Gian Piero Gasperini will instil a lot of respect for Valencia CF in them."

An unpredictable few weeks have passed and lie ahead with the spread of the coronavirus, and football has been hit by the disruption.

“A lot of things are happening. Games are being cancelled, others are being played behind closed doors and others are being postponed. For that reason, the key to success will be to keep a cool head and a hungry heart. You need to be able to interpret the game and go for it, without forgetting about defence. It's very difficult and Celades and his coaching staff have a tough mission," comments Lucarelli.

“The Valencia CF fans are spectacular and I'm sure that they would have given an extra boost to the players. The players have to forget about what might have been and focus on the game -and fighting to the maximum- because nothing is impossible. If the players have personality and character, the tie is not over yet."