Zidane and Real Madrid wary of 'unknown' Atalanta

"For us it's a different game, we don't know our opponent. We have to adapt to this type of game that Atalanta has, to play our football," said the French coach on the eve of the last-16 first leg. "Atalanta have proved their worth in the last year. They are a very attacking team, made up of excellent players, they are solid and compact."

Zidane has led Real to three of their record 13 European Cup titles, consecutively between 2016 and 2018. But Real arrive in northern Italy with a long injury list including Karim Benzema, Sergio Ramos and Dani Carvajal.

"It's true there are a lot of players not available but we'll do with those that we have, we've prepared well for this match," continued Zidane. "We have the right experience, we hope to reach the final. Real Madrid is like this, we go out on the pitch to win. Tomorrow will be a good game to continue what we've been doing lately."

Atalanta coach Gian Piero Gasperini recalled that when he coached the Juventus youth team he often went to watch Zidane, 48, training with the senior side. "He was an absolutely top-class player for whom I find no comparison. Then as a coach he continued to win, right from the start, it means he has a DNA of football."

Zidane laughed off Gasperini's praise. "Luckily I'm not playing, I'm cooked," he said. "Gasperini did a great job with the Juventus Primavera. He was doing great things and he kept doing them, I like him as a coach."