'Wiley' Gasperini looks to stall Alonso's Leverkusen juggernaut

DUBLIN — Bayer Leverkusen's Xabi Alonso can cement his status as Europe's rising coaching star in Wednesday's Europa League final, but he will come up against a wily old fox in Atalanta's Gian Piero Gasperini.

Alonso has rebuffed advances from former clubs Liverpool and Bayern Munich to remain in charge of Leverkusen, after leading the club to its first-ever Bundesliga title in an unprecedented unbeaten season.

The German champion has not lost in 51 games across all competitions and could wrap up a remarkable treble in two finals this week.