Gian Piero Gasperini, coach of Atalanta, spoke to UEFA and reminisced about the matches against Sporting in the Italian team’s journey to the Europa League final. “Since the beginning of the group stage, when we played in Lisbon and were not the favorites, we have played great games against strong opponents. Of course, the victory at Anfield further boosted our confidence,” he recalled.
Gian Piero Gasperini spoke to UEFA before the Europa League final, where Atalanta will face Bayer Leverkusen in Dublin on Wednesday night.
“It’s a great achievement and a source of satisfaction, achieved in a very positive season for the whole team. Will it be the highest point of my career? Yes, in terms of achievement and prestige, undoubtedly. In terms of gratification, fortunately, I have had many, although perhaps not at the same level. I think winning a cup does not always fit into the parameters by which success is evaluated. Everyone has their own goals. If we can surpass them by a lot, as we did this year, we should be very satisfied. Of course, if we can add a cup, we will be even happier,” said the Atalanta coach.
“Winning at Anfield Increased Confidence”
Gasperini also spoke about the long journey with Atalanta.
“It all started eight years ago, suddenly, as good things often happen. At that time, there were many young players, close to the first team but not very involved. That was the turning point: from there, the world of Atalanta changed a bit. First the Europa League, then the Champions League. Three consecutive Champions League participations for a team that also played very good football and scored a lot. Participation in the Champions League in 2019/20 also gave us a great boost. We were one step away from the semifinals and faced PSG. It has always been the greatest goal achieved, but I must say that this year maybe we have exceeded it and gone further,” recalled the coach.
A European result difficult to face, but always desired by the team, according to Gasperini.
“The team always wanted it. Sometimes there are teams that are technically strong, but lack hunger and determination. Since the beginning of the group stage, when we played in Lisbon and were not the favorites, we have played great games against strong opponents. Of course, the victory at Anfield further boosted our confidence,” he added.
“We and Leverkusen Have a Similar Approach”
Now, the challenge with Leverkusen, Xabi Alonso’s surprising team.
“Their results speak for themselves: they have not lost this year. We will face a very difficult team, which has achieved something extraordinary in their country. They are a very solid and compact team, difficult to overcome. It is difficult to create spaces against them, besides they have speed and technique in attack. They are a very good team, otherwise they would not have achieved these results, but we also have important attributes and I hope to be able to create problems for them so that they can make mistakes. The two teams have a similar approach: I am very happy because, when I started using it a few years ago, we were practically the only ones. We were the odd ones out. Now, in the Champions League and Europa League, there are many teams playing in the same way, although with their own approach and style. Three defenders and three forwards have become fashionable, one could say, or at least very common,” Gasperini explained.