Alonso wary of Atalanta threat ahead of Europa League showdown

Bayer Leverkusen will find it tough to overcome Atalanta in the Europa League final, manager Xabi Alonso said.

The Italian side knocked out Premier League heavyweights Liverpool and three-times finalists Marseille in previous rounds.

But Leverkusen have plans of their own as they chase a treble of titles, having recently been crowned as the new Bundesliga champions.

Currently on an extraordinary 50-match run this season, Leverkusen play Gian Piero Gasperini’s side, who are fifth in Serie A, in Dublin on May 22.

“Atalanta is one of the best teams in Europe. The coach has a clear plan, they have a great mentality and a big squad,” Alonso told reporters on Wednesday.

“If we do our best, we have a chance, but it will be tight. They are a top team.”