Gasperini: ‘Atalanta deserved Europa League without doubt’

Gian Piero Gasperini reveals his approach to Bayer Leverkusen in the Europa League Final, as Atalanta ‘deserved it without a shadow of a doubt,’ but insists this cup doesn’t change his career.

The coach had never won any silverware in his entire career, La Dea’s only trophy in their 116-year history was the Coppa Italia 61 years ago, but they absolutely dominated the unbeaten Bayer Leverkusen 3-0 in Dublin.

“I think we are in history, but the way we won was extraordinary. We repeated the performances of Liverpool and Lisbon, Sporting won their league, Liverpool were top of the Premier League when we went there, Bayer Leverkusen absolutely dominated the Bundesliga,” Gasperini told Sky Sport Italia.

“I have to thank the lads, their performance was just incredible.”

Gasperini went on the attack

Ademola Lookman was not expected to start, but it proved an inspired choice, as the Nigerian scored all three goals and attack proved the best form of defence, using him with Gianluca Scamacca, Charles De Ketelaere and Teun Koopmeiners from the start.

“We often play with the trident, there were all the conditions to do it, we had to play for the win in a Final. We needed to be attacking, it was not enough just to defend. We know these teams are great at attacking, not so much when you force them to defend. Everyone was extraordinary,” continued Gasp.

“The way we did it was the most important thing, we deserved it without a shadow of a doubt against such a strong team. Winning the Europa League is an extraordinary achievement.”

At least it means people will no longer ask when Gasperini will put some silverware on his mantelpiece.

“I don’t understand that and don’t think now I am any better than I was this afternoon. Juventus won the Coppa Italia, Inter won the Scudetto, but Bologna won with the Champions League spot, Lecce won by achieving Serie A safety,” assured the coach.

Will they put a statue of Gasperini up in Bergamo or name a street after him?

“Don’t be silly, there’s time for that!”