Former AC Milan coach Fabio Capello has heaped praise on Atalanta midfielder Josip Ilicic.

Ilicic scored four goals in Atalanta's Champions League win at Valencia on Tuesday night.

“Ilicic is a great team player, [he's] at the top level," he told Sky Sport Italia. “He has quality and imagination.

“H converted two penalties. I didn't like the first one, but the second one was done well.

“He is a unique and extraordinary case. The play ahead of the first goal, it seems like he had disc brakes and the other had drum brakes."

Capello is proud seeing La Dea reach the quarterfinals.

“Atalanta took advantage of all the opportunities they created tonight," he added. “The club deserves this for the spirit they have shown. There are few Italians in the team, but it's clear that they pick their foreigners well.

“We are proud of this Atalanta."