Gian Piero Gasperini highlighted the benefits of no European competition following Atalanta’s strong start to the season.
La Dea currently sit top of the Serie A table after five games, having secured four wins and one draw. The team look significantly less tired than they did last season and strong performances against Milan and Torino have given the fans hope of a top four finish again, or possibly something even more special.
Speaking in a press conference, Gasperini first discussed the strengths of tomorrow’s opponents Atalanta.
“Undoubtedly they give an image of an organised and aggressive team, they had a very difficult schedule especially away, they had a bit of bad luck in Florence in conceding goals at the end.
“In Rome they played a very good match, but also in Milan against Inter. I expect a difficult match, we should adapt to play with our weapons and be in a good condition.
“All matches are difficult, we must also have the right enthusiasm, there will be a lot of fans, it will be a tough game. But the result has to be won on the pitch.”
He provided a slight injury update for his squad.
“Zapata? He’s recovering in line with what we expected. Muriel has recovered, not 100% but he trained all week, we have some problems with Demiral, for tomorrow he’s definitely in doubt.”
The Atalanta coach reacted to the team’s impressive first five games.
“In these first five games we have done well, but we can grow and improve. At the moment it is really too early to make any judgements.”
He noted the biggest mistake that the Bergamo side must avoid tomorrow.
“The biggest mistake is to think that somehow the three points will come. We must have quality in attack, at home we must be prolific, these are the key aspects.”
Gasperini underlined the benefit of not playing in European competition this season.
“With a full week you can do more things, more training sessions, situations you can correct. The pace is different in Europe than in the league.”
He commented on his emotions seeing his team sit top of the Serie A table.
“For me it’s like when you win the pink shirt at the Giro d’Italia, maybe you don’t think it’s possible to win but in the meantime you have the shirt.
“There is great satisfaction, we’ll try to keep it a few stages. There are no secrets, there is work and a series of matches with positive results.”
Finally, Gasperini discussed the differences between this summer and the last two years.
“It was a positive pre-season, we have been working since July 4. We have two or three systems that we can use, but it’s stuff from two years ago, we’ve done it before.”
It’s called the Mean. Eventually, the performances and points will average out as last year and the year before…