“Gasperini took an average side and improved them dramatically, both tactically and physically, getting them to play at a ferocious pace, very uncommon in Italy”
“Five years ago we were fighting to avoid relegation, now we’re battling for Champions League football and the domestic cup,” he exclaimed.
“And the main reason is Gian Piero Gasperini.”
“El Papu”, the Bergamo team’s captain, was referring to the arrival of coach Gasperini in 2016. He might have struggled at first but knew he could carry on with his ideas thanks to the support of the board.
And now he is finally making the most of all the hard work and the great ideas.
At the time, a top-four finish in Serie A guaranteed only Europa League football.
Gasperini took an average side and improved them dramatically, both tactically and physically, getting them to play at a ferocious pace, very uncommon in Italy.
Last season, Atalanta impressed in Europe, passing a group that had Lyon and Everton in it, and then lost to Borussia Dortmund by only one goal in the round of 32 of the competition.
Many thought having the extra efforts in the Europa League would hinder their Serie A performances, but La Dea managed to qualify once again for Europe.
La Dea knocked out Juventus, demolishing Cristiano Ronaldo and friends. Juve had won the previous four editions. This was a massive result.
But it wasn’t enough to guarantee the trophy, which went to Lazio after a disappointing performance in the final by La Dea.
Perhaps this is an area they can grow in – being clinical when it comes to it, being on top form to win actual silverware.
