Bayer Leverkusen coach Xabi: Atalanta will be nice challenge

Bayer Leverkusen coach Xabi Alonso is happy reaching the Europa League final.

Bayer will face Atalanta after surviving a scare against Roma last night.

Xabi said: "I imagined it, it had already been difficult in Rome. Down by two goals for episodes, we shouldn't forget what we created and I liked the reaction. Last year we came close to the final, this year we won the semi.

"Now in the final we will meet an Italian team again.

"Roma were also very good in trying to attack us. Atalanta with Gasperini for many years and a well-established team: it will be nice to challenge them."