Gian Piero Gasperini insists Atalanta have already achieved so much by finishing ahead of Juventus and qualifying for the Champions League that the Coppa Italia Final is ‘the cherry on the cake.’
The Final kicks off on Wednesday at 20.00 UK time (19.00 GMT) at the Mapei Stadium in Reggio Emilia.
“This trophy would be a wonderful cherry on the cake, but the cake is what we’ve done over the last five years,” said the coach in his press conference.
Gian Piero Gasperini insists Atalanta have already achieved so much by finishing ahead of Juventus and qualifying for the Champions League that the Coppa Italia Final is ‘the cherry on the cake.’
The Final kicks off on Wednesday at 20.00 UK time (19.00 GMT) at the Mapei Stadium in Reggio Emilia.
“This trophy would be a wonderful cherry on the cake, but the cake is what we’ve done over the last five years,” said the coach in his press conference.
It’s the second Coppa Italia Final for Gasp, after losing to Lazio two years ago, and La Dea have already secured Champions League qualification for the third year running.
“The team has grown so much, as while we don’t lift a trophy in the Champions League, it’s still very satisfying to play such big games. When you play a match like this, you have to leave as a winner, as it changes the view of everything you experienced before. We eliminated Cagliari, Lazio and Napoli, so we earned the right to play this game.
“I am satisfied with what we’ve achieved so far. There are only two trophies you can win in Italy, the Scudetto and Coppa Italia, but satisfaction also means winning 23 games this season. It might not be the same as lifting a cup for many, but if I had to choose between the Champions League and the Coppa Italia, I’d have chosen the Champions League. Fortunately, I don’t have to choose.
“This could be the crowning moment many are asking for, but we already feel strong with the results we achieved to get here.”
Atalanta are arguably the favourites coming into this game, especially as they have already sealed their top four status, whereas Juventus need to beat Bologna and hope other results go their way.
La Dea are also unbeaten against the Bianconeri this season, managing a 1-1 draw in Turin and 1-0 home victory.
“Every game is different. It’s a one-off here, not with points up for grabs. I remember you all suggested the same thing when we were taking on Real Madrid in the Champions League, but when you are facing Juve or Real Madrid, you are never the favourites.
“We’d never finished ahead of Juve in Serie A, mainly because they won the Scudetto for the last nine years. We confirmed our status and they didn’t do as well as previous years, but that doesn’t mean the squad is lacking in quality. It just means we did better.”
Gasperini spent much of his career at Juventus, including as a youth team coach, so inevitably he has been linked with the job should Andrea Pirlo be fired.
He also shrugged off questions suggesting Atalanta could do Juve a favour by beating Milan on Sunday.
“I think everyone is in charge of their own destiny, so that goes for us, Milan and Juventus. We will do everything we can in every game to win the Cup and finish second. The rest is just stupid suggestions.
“Pirlo was given this opportunity and if he reached the Final, it means he’s done well.”
There will be 4,300 fans at the Mapei Stadium tomorrow, albeit with health checks and vaccination certificates before they are allowed in.
“It’s pleasing and a fundamental element of football we have really missed,” concluded Gasperini.
“We are also happy to be playing at the Mapei Stadium, which is where Atalanta started the Europa League fixtures several years ago.”