Gian Piero Gasperini admits Atalanta put in ‘a remarkable performance’ to beat leaders Napoli 3-0 on their own turf and is no longer shying away from Scudetto talk. ‘The team has extra confidence.’
This was a battle of great tacticians, one well and truly won by the veteran, because leaving Capocannoniere Mateo Retegui on the bench proved to be a masterstroke, giving the Partenopei defence very few reference points.
Instead, Charles De Ketelaere twice set up Ademola Lookman for goals in the opening half-hour, then they seemed in control until Retegui struck with a stoppage-time volley to complete the 3-0 rout.
“We know that we are strong, we’re not denying it. Clearly, these games are a test of where we are, facing a strong team that has done extraordinary things since the start of the season,” Gasperini told DAZN.
“We knew that we would require a remarkable performance, we did that, but the team has also grown since last year with the extra confidence that has been earned with the win in Europe.
“We have great attacking players and clearly they are a step above at the moment. We cannot always play with all three together, especially with so many games close together, so they can be decisive off the bench too.
“We scored with Samardzic and Zappacosta off the bench midweek too, so these solutions are essential.”
It was a perfect reflection of last season, where Gasperini’s Atalanta also emerged from the Stadio Diego Armando Maradona with a 3-0 result.
Scudetto no longer taboo for Gasperini
Gasperini was asked if they were Scudetto contenders and unusually for him, he did not brush it off.
“We played against the leaders and had a great performance. We need to grow not so much as the core unit, but with the many new arrivals who came in this summer. I see Kossounou growing, Brescianini made his comeback today after a month out, Samardzic and Zaniolo are still finding their form.
“Those who come off the bench this season have great confidence and quality.”
Atalanta have now won five in a row in Serie A, scoring 18 goals and conceding only two, and are now only three points behind leaders Napoli.
“Antonio is quite right to calm enthusiasm, but Napoli are an excellent team and the club deserves credit for revamping the squad,” concluded Gasperini.
“Antonio will continue to do extraordinary things, one match doesn’t change that, and they will challenge to the end.”