Atalanta manager Gian Piero Gasperini makes bold Celtic claim

Celtic have plenty to prove in midweek when they take on Atalanta. Firstly, they need a good result after losing 7-1 to Borussia Dortmund in their last Champions League outfit. Secondly, the Hoops also need to shake off some of the doubts that have been formed after failing to protect a two-goal half-time lead against Aberdeen at Parkhead at the weekend.

Of course, an away trip to Italy to take on Atalanta is not the ideal 'bounce-back' match for Celtic. They might not have the high-profile name of AC Milan, Inter Milan, Juventus or even Napoli, but Gian Piero Gasperini's side have been one of the best in the Italian Serie A for some time now.

So, Celtic are not expected to have an easy time by any means. In fact, if they do not go in with a better strategy, this could be another night like the one in Dortmund. And nobody wants to see a repeat of that.

Atalanta do not seem to be taking Celtic lightly despite that 7-1 loss to Borussia Dortmund. As reported by Fantacalcio, Gasperini said:

"You have to play every game, no result is a given. With Celtic, well, it's a different competition, we're facing a team used to winning championships, a fast team especially in attack."

Atalanta manager Gian Piero Gasperini makes bold Celtic claim

Of course, Celtic will need to show a ton of improvement from their recent performances, if they are to get a positive result against Atalanta. Even a draw away in Italy would be great for the Hoops and their confidence.

One can only hope that Celtic make some adjustments to the strategy that we saw in Dortmund. They simply cannot try to play like that against top-level opposition in the Champions League. Hopefully, lessons have been learnt from that experience.

Atalanta have their fitness issues going into the game as well and it has not been smooth sailing for them either. As things stand, they are sixth in Serie A.