Atalanta's number one bench player, Raffaele Palladino, answered journalists' questions before the match against Dortmund in the Champions League.

"We play in such a beautiful, prestigious and very warm stadium. The Champions League gives us incredible extra motivation, we have recovered our physical and mental energy. We hope to put in a great performance, we are facing a great team."

"The absence of De Ketelaere and Raspadori? We are disappointed. Charles and Jack are important for us, they are strong and give us unpredictability and quality, but unfortunately, football is also full of injuries and unexpected events. We are a big family, a great group and whoever replaces them will do so in the best possible way. We have reached the stage that whoever plays will do so in the right way."

"We have great enthusiasm, there is a great desire to continue growing and to get results. We know that the level in the Champions League is very high, Dortmund have excellent individual players and are very well trained. We want to try to cause them problems, we know that we can compete in 180 minutes. Matches must always be played, I never calculate percentages first."

"I try to convey a lot of ease and confidence, I want maturity and a team that understands the moments of the game. The mentality has to be this, we have to try to get a result."

Regarding the excitement of a Champions League night, Palladino said: "I could spend a lot of time here answering you, but I can only say that it is beautiful, wonderful. This sport gives you incredible emotions. I have had my adrenaline rising for two days. We are very excited for this match and the boys can't wait to get on the pitch. I am very happy and excited, and I am trying to transmit that to my players. We have to enjoy it."