A winner of the Coppa Italia is already guaranteed Europa League participation for next season, making Raffaele Palladino’s Atalanta semi-final clash against Lazio a chance to achieve the feat.

Although the Atalanta manager also wants to lift a trophy, guaranteeing access to a European competition is a plus.

They will battle Maurizio Sarri’s men at the Stadio Olimpico on Wednesday night, and the second leg is scheduled for April 21 or 22 in Bergamo.

The last time they met was in the Italian Serie A at the Stadio Olimpico on February 14, with Atalanta emerging as the winners courtesy of goals from Ederson’s penalty and Nicola Zalewski.

Palladino told Sport Mediaset that Lazio is a well-known side, having recently played against them in Serie A, and they will be fired up and still bitter about the loss.

“So obviously they are highly motivated to beat us this time,” he added.

The tactician said it is important to see it over the two legs, even if there is a large gap between the games. 

Stating that Atalanta aim to win the competition, having reached the final three times in the last seven years. 

“So we want to make it four and perhaps beyond that. This is our dream, the primary objective is for this club to lift a trophy, and I think this is also a way of guaranteeing access to a European competition for next season.

Expressing the belief in his squad, Palladio pointed out the importance of the match, stating that the squad believe in themselves, and have the right attitude to win.

Atalanta are not only aiming to win the tournament. They are also aiming for a Champions League spot, which is guaranteed with a top-four finish.

This will be a battle as the top four are expected to be a tight battle for them as Roma, Juventus, and Como fight for the spots, while the Milan clubs and Napoli are occupying the top three spots.