Atalanta coach Gasperini wary of Celtic backlash in Champions League

Gian Piero Gasperini will not read much into Celtic's difficulties in Dortmund as the Atalanta head coach outlined his own ultimately successful approach of sticking to his principles in Europe.

Celtic are looking for vast improvement from their 7-1 defeat by Borussia Dortmund in Germany when they take on Gasperini’s side in Bergamo on Wednesday.

Brendan Rodgers’ side had opened their Champions League campaign with a 5-1 win over Slovan Bratislava but their attacking style came unstuck in Germany.

Gasperini knows heavy defeats are not uncommon in the competition and will not write off a Celtic side whose approach he admires.

"You need to be careful, when we’re talking about the Champions League, because there’s some top teams," the 66-year-old said. "Against the top teams, if you perhaps get your approach wrong, you can concede a lot of goals. We’ve seen these kind of contrasting results so far as a result.

"So we will be taking into account the past two matches, but all the other games, such as the ones in the league as well.

"Atalanta would never underestimate an opponent. Celtic, especially in attack, are a very dangerous side, a very fast, rapid team. They’re used to winning, and they’re used to winning well.

"We need to be very attentive if we want to win this game. And to do so, we’ll have to put in a very good performance."

Gasperini added: "The entire attack certainly is of concern. They’re fast. They obviously have their attacking players but also the midfielders join in with the attack as well.

"We have to be at our very best, very attentive of their rapidity and their ability to always score lots of goals. Celtic always tend to score and get into scoring positions."

Atalanta suffered some heavy defeats themselves during