Atalanta Coach Gian Piero Gasperini believes Inter could be the team to “throw Juventus off the throne”, and wouldn’t sign for a Europa League place now.
The 60-year-old had an ill-fated period on the bench at San Siro, lasting just five games with four defeats and a draw.
His Orobici side thrashed the Nerazzurri at the weekend, so there must have been a temptation to lord it over the visiting fans, as Jose Mourinho did with the Juventus supporters.
Atalanta Coach Gian Piero Gasperini believes Inter could be the team to “throw Juventus off the throne”, and wouldn’t sign for a Europa League place now.
The 60-year-old had an ill-fated period on the bench at San Siro, lasting just five games with four defeats and a draw.
His Orobici side thrashed the Nerazzurri at the weekend, so there must have been a temptation to lord it over the visiting fans, as Jose Mourinho did with the Juventus supporters.
“No, I have no grudge against Inter fans I’m sorry many have one against me,” Gasperini told Gazzetta dello Sport.
“Maybe they interpreted my analysis as an attack on Inter, but I only said that at the time the club wasn’t built to win, and had in fact been struggling for years.
“It’s only now they’ve laid the foundations for an important future. I’d say Inter, prospectively, are the team that will throw Juventus off the throne.
“As for Mourinho, I didn’t find his gesture offensive. Football needs this kind of sarcasm. More than the hand [to the ear] his funny grimace made me laugh.”
Atalanta have now beaten Inter and drawn with Roma and Milan, surely fourth place isn’t out of the question?
“For now we’re looking to confirm ourselves in what is a very balanced league, below Juventus.
“The certainty of the Europa League would be worth a lot, but I wouldn’t sign for it now. In principle, I always like to play. I wouldn’t have signed for a draw with Inter either.”
Jurgen Klopp said earlier this season “the most important job of football is entertaining the people”, while Max Allegri insists “if you want to be entertained, go to the circus” – who does Gasp identify with more?
“I got 70 points at Genoa, 72 at Atalanta. I like to win. But what matters most most is playing well, there’s a real satisfaction in seeing the people in delirium.
“The joy of the Atalanta fans on Sunday is something priceless.”