Gian Piero Gasperini explains just what has to happen for Atalanta to be considered Scudetto contenders after beating Napoli 3-2. ‘I thank the players for allowing me to make my ideas come to life.’
It was the fifth consecutive Serie A victory for La Dea, who also won away to Juventus last week, and totally transformed the top of the table.
Milan now lead on 38 points, Inter follow on 37, Napoli drop to third on 36 and Atalanta have 34 points.
“Juventus and Napoli were two very different games,” the coach told Sky Sport Italia.
“They are two great teams, I must say that considering the way it went, tonight was even more exciting, as we were losing and then turned it around again.”
Despite these results, Gasp continues to insist any Scudetto talk around his Bergamo Boys is out of place.
“Let’s think about the Champions League instead, as there is a decisive in or out match coming up. There’s a long way to go in Serie A.
Serie A | Napoli 2-3 Atalanta: Dea take another Scudetto scalp
“As for the Scudetto, I know people talk like this, but the reality is we have never been top of the table. Never. So the day we get there, then I will say we can challenge for the Scudetto.
“Inter have been top, Napoli top, Milan top, the most we did was second a few rounds last season, but we never got to the top. So how can a team challenge for the title if it has never been the leader?
“We’re not pulling back from it or anything, but it’s just a fact. We’re four points off the top and that’s quite a lot, with teams like this in front of us.”
Gasperini just signed a new contract with Atalanta, so was asked if it included a clause in case of the Scudetto victory.
“I didn’t see that clause in there! We need to re-read the contract if you say that!”
It was an immensely entertaining match and there was a mutual applause at the final whistle between the two sets of teams and the fans at the Stadio Diego Armando Maradona.
“We applauded the crowd, because they applauded us at the final whistle. It was spontaneous, I think they were applauding both teams for a great game of football.
“I remember this sporting attitude when I played against Napoli and tonight everyone deserves congratulations, because it was really entertaining and fun to watch.
“There are also teams in Serie A this season who might not be at the top tier, but they are still playing to win and insist on playing good football, even if they’re trying to avoid relegation.”
Gasperini was asked about his particular style, which saw the centre-backs make a huge impact in attack, as Merih Demiral scored on a Rafael Toloi through ball, so it’s a modern form of Total Football.
“It’s what I always wanted to do with my teams and now Atalanta have players that allow me to enact these ideas. I always thought a defender could go forward and attack. He might not have the dribbling skills of Ilicic, but he can cause real problems.
“I always considered this an aim and I want to thank the players for allowing me to make my ideas come to life.”
Grande Mister!
Without doubt one of the best coaches in the world
Makes Allegri look so dumb imagine what Gasp could do at Juve if he was the coach and given time or even the Azzurri