Gian Piero Gasperini reveals the superstition that allowed Atalanta to beat Young Boys and insists Champions League qualification will be decided against Manchester United.
La Dea are top of their Champions League group with four points after a draw away to Villarreal and tonight’s 1-0 victory over Young Boys.
Champions League | Atalanta 1-0 Young Boys: Pessina breakthrough
It was an historic occasion, their first ever Champions League fixture to be played in Bergamo with fans in the stadium.
“We hadn’t yet managed a win in Bergamo this season, so it was a wonderful evening with enthusiasm from the fans,” the coach told Sky Sport Italia.
“We won a difficult game where the team played with determination, sharpness and focus, winning deservedly.”
Manchester United play Villarreal tonight in the later kick-off, having lost their opener 2-1 to Young Boys in Switzerland.
“The draw with Villarreal and tonight’s victory are the results we were hoping for. Qualification starts now with the two games against Manchester United. We have to seek points everywhere, as it’s a very balanced group.
“Those two matches will be an important crossroads for the group and we hope to give ourselves an advantage going into the final games. Hopefully Manchester United and Villarreal will draw today.”
There was good and bad news for Atalanta, as while Luis Muriel returned a month earlier than expected, Robin Gosens went off in tears just 10 minutes in with a muscular issue.
“It’s a strain for Gosens, we hope to recover him during the break for international duty. Muriel showed a few moments tonight where he went close to scoring, now he just needs to get some match fitness.”
Gasperini was about to make a substitution when Pessina scored the decisive goal and reveals a bit of superstition contributed to the breakthrough.
“Whenever Muriel steps up to the touchline for a substitution, we score a goal! We needed that, it was a tense moment!
“Young Boys are dangerous on the counter and accustomed to playing on an artificial pitch, which means a high tempo. That’s why we had to be very careful not to allow gaps for them to counter and were confident we’d find the breakthrough sooner or later.”
#Atalanta, #Gasperini: ‘Gosens si è stirato e tornerà dopo la sosta. A Manchester per il 1° posto, su Muriel…’ https://t.co/nuL7Xll38M pic.twitter.com/2a9i8vMko2
— calciomercato.com (@cmdotcom) September 29, 2021