Atalanta president says club were 'unfortunate' to draw Liverpool but welcomes Europa League test

Atalanta president Antonio Percassi says Friday's Europa League quarter-final draw "wasn't a fortunate" one for his club, though still welcomes the opportunity to face Liverpool over two legs next month.

Jurgen Klopp and his team saw their pathway to the competition's final in Dublin mapped out for them following an 11-2 aggregate success over Sparta Prague in the Round of 16.

Given that most recent result Liverpool sit as the clear favourites to lift the trophy in May, so there was strong apprehension when Percassi was prompted to give his thoughts on the draw for the next stage.

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"It wasn't a fortunate draw, but at the same time, we are pleased to play against the strongest teams," be initially told Calcio Mercato. "For Bergamo, it will be something extraordinary to host Liverpool, which represents one of the greatest clubs in the world."

Dates were also confirmed for the fixtures, with Liverpool hosting at Anfield on Thursday, April 11, before travelling to northern Italy exactly seven days later.

It will be the second time the clubs have met in European competition in recent seasons, having been paired in the same Champions League group during the 2020/21 campaign. During that time supporters were not allowed to attend in either country due to limitations caused by the Coronavirus pandemic.

"Covid prevented our fans from seeing some really top players, but now they can!" The atmosphere created by our fans will surely be spectacular," he added with a bit more fight than his opening comment.

"Bergamo is a city famous for its ability to build. Behind the