Gian Piero Gasperini pointed to a difference in resources when highlighting why Atalanta can’t realistically think of a title bid this season.
La Dea currently sit second in the league table after 10 games, two points behind league leaders Napoli. They still haven’t lost a game yet this campaign, only dropping points in draws with Milan, Cremonese and Udinese. Atalanta finished eighth last season, meaning they haven’t had any European commitments to contend with.
Speaking to Radio Rai 1, Gasperini first discussed if he’ll be able to get his Atalanta in top form before the World Cup break.
“Some say that Atalanta has changed its skin but I must say that the team has changed a lot. Some players have left, others we haven’t featured yet this season.
“It is clear that there has been an important change in the team, but what has allowed us to do well has also helped the new additions, especially young ones, to find confidence.
“I think and hope that over time this team can grow in terms of play as it has in the recent past. It is difficult to have better results than we have had, but the inclusion of these youngsters gives us hope that this team has more quality to express.”
He underlined the team’s ambitions of winning the Coppa Italia this season.
“It’s clear that the Coppa Italia is the most attainable goal. It’s not that we can put the goal of winning the Scudetto.
“Then the European cups are more difficult to win even if Roma won last year in the Conference. Italian teams in Europe are struggling. In the Coppa Italia we reached the final twice, without winning. But it is the most attainable cup.”
He gave his thoughts on new arrival Ademola Lookman.
“Despite being a young guy, he has evolved. I give him five goals because he also scored at Monza. He’s a guy who grew up with Leipzig, he had experience in England.
“When he came to us I had the feeling of an evolved player who knows football and who immediately entered into our mechanisms. He’s a settled player who doesn’t need any more time to make an extraordinary contribution.”
The Atalanta coach discussed which moment of the season he’s most concerned about.
“This year is a strange one because of the World Cup. I have the feeling that everyone is interpreting these last five games as a cup final. Everyone wants to reach the best position and then start well in January.
“It is difficult to make comparisons with previous seasons. There are seasons where we did better before and others better after. Last year I thought Napoli could win the Scudetto, but then they had a drop.
“It only takes a game or two to change the team’s morale. We have the advantage that without specific objectives we can think about growth without looking at the league table.”
Gasperini spoke about the crisis at Juventus and what Massimiliano Allegri needs to do.
“Allegri is very clear on what he has to do. It’s a Juve that didn’t start according to expectations but having won the derby is a good sign. Inter are also on the upswing, both teams will soon be back in the fight for the best positions in the league.”
He commented on the team’s plans during the upcoming World Cup break.
“It’s a very abnormal break and we’re questioning that as well. We will take an initial break as the period is very long, 50 days off, more than in the summer. We will start again with a similar performance to the summer.
“We will play many friendlies, for now we have already scheduled four with foreign teams. November and December is usually a period of good condition for the players. The league is in a lively moment and this break will be something new for everyone.”
Finally, Gasperini discussed if Atalanta were in the title race this season.
“The football world pushes in other directions, towards teams with more of a following, which seems to be the first requirement to compete.
“We cannot say, with our resources, that we’re fighting for the Scudetto. This is the reality we have to take note of. We will aim for the Coppa Italia. As far as I’m concerned, arriving in the Champions League for three years means we’ve turned on all the lights.”