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Atalanta aims for Conference League victory: Marino says it would have been a shame not to qualify

August 28, 2026Diego Herrera1 мин

Umberto Marino, Atalanta's General Director, spoke to Sky Sport following the draw for the Conference League group stage. When asked about negotiations with Chelsea for Honest Ahanor, he playfully deflected, stating, "I'm waiting for news from you... Rowe? You want to make me argue wi

Umberto Marino, Atalanta's General Director, spoke to Sky Sport following the draw for the Conference League group stage. When asked about negotiations with Chelsea for Honest Ahanor, he playfully deflected, stating, "I'm waiting for news from you... Rowe? You want to make me argue with Luca Percassi and Cristiano Giuntoli."

Are you playing in this competition to win it?

"I say that for Atalanta, and also for the city of Bergamo, it's a source of pride to be in Europe and to be in the Conference. It would have been a shame not to qualify; we faced a tough opponent, but I believe we deserved it. Now we have the Conference, and we will strive to honor it. We must not underestimate anyone because those who play in Europe have the quality to do so, as Hapoel demonstrated last night. We will honor this competition."

However, you have the highest ranking in the competition.

"And indeed, I say it would have been a shame not to be involved on Thursday evenings. Atalanta and its fans have become accustomed to playing in European competitions, and this year we will aim to honor all three commitments we have. We enjoy playing them, and the people enjoy coming to the stadium."