Atalanta President Antonio Percassi outlined his transfer strategy, keeping Gian Piero Gasperini and preparing for another European jaunt.
The Orobici finished fourth last season and seventh this term, booking their spot in the Europa League preliminary rounds – although they could be bumped up to the group stage if Milan are excluded due to Financial Fair Play problems.
“We are all ready and taking part in Europe is worth the extra strain,” Percassi told La Gazzetta dello Sport.
Atalanta President Antonio Percassi outlined his transfer strategy, keeping Gian Piero Gasperini and preparing for another European jaunt.
The Orobici finished fourth last season and seventh this term, booking their spot in the Europa League preliminary rounds – although they could be bumped up to the group stage if Milan are excluded due to Financial Fair Play problems.
“We are all ready and taking part in Europe is worth the extra strain,” Percassi told La Gazzetta dello Sport.
“I won’t get into the Financial Fair Play situation, but in any case it’d be disappointing for everyone if Milan were excluded, because they did earn sixth place on the field of play.
“The season has been an exciting one, as we finished seventh in Serie A and reached the semi-final of the Coppa Italia, while during the Europa League we went toe-to-toe with Atletico Madrid.
“The football has always been of a good quality and Atalanta are becoming a model club to be followed, a mix of pride and sense of belonging that is usually hard to find in the provinces. There is a special atmosphere here.”
Much of that is also down to Coach Gasperini, who has been able to pluck more talent out of the youth academy.
“There has always been an excellent rapport and we only need a few words to understand each other. We are also thinking of extending his contract.”
Atalanta now look to the transfer market and Percassi dropped a few hints.
“Josip Ilicic and Papu Gomez are staying, they are not for sale. We’re focused on young players like Pessina, Valzania and Kulusevski.
“Gianluca Mancini is the new Mattia Caldara.”