Gasperini: ‘Atalanta collapse talk is exaggerated, but football moves on’ | OneFootball

Gian Piero Gasperini hits back at ‘exaggerated talk of an Atalanta collapse’ in recent weeks, admitting the game with Lazio is very important, but also hints at his future. ‘Football moves on.’

It kicks off at the Gewiss Stadium in Bergamo on Sunday at 17.00 UK time (16.00 GMT).

While La Dea were in the race for the Scudetto only a few weeks ago, but are now looking anxiously over their shoulder to keep hold of that Champions League spot after back-to-back defeats to Inter and Fiorentina.

“I honestly struggle to see the logic in all this talk of a ‘collapse’ of Atalanta, we had beaten Juventus 4-0 just before that and played well against Inter, despite the result,” said Gasperini in his press conference.

“It feels like people are exaggerating with these descriptions. We are still third in the table and five of our final eight games will be at home. We’ve never found ourselves in such a positive position at this stage of the season, so all this negativity is not something I agree with.

“I also don’t see it in the stands, because I differentiate fans from the media. They have always been very enthusiastic and packed the stadium. The DNA of Atalanta fans is very tough, combative and determined to reach their objectives. Expectations were created over the season, but we still have to understand if that was normality or something extraordinary.”

Gasperini on raised expectations and Atalanta future

epa11802691 Gian Piero Gasperini, head coach of BC Atalanta, reacts during the Suppercoppa Italiana semi-finals match between Inter FC and BC Atalanta, in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, 02 January 2025. EPA-EFE/STRINGER

Expectations were also boosted by winning the Europa League trophy last season and this week a documentary on that remarkable achievement was given its cinema release in Italy.

“The film was about an incredible week where we played two Finals, the Europa League and Coppa Italia,” continued Gasperini.

“What came through from the film is that over all these years, we have always been a united group, which proves the locker room atmosphere is decisive in everything.”

President Antonio Percassi also said at the premiere that he hoped Gasperini would remain with Atalanta next season, something that remains very much in doubt.

“He has shown great appreciation many times and our rapport has always been good. All the rest, however, is football, and football moves on,” replied the coach.

Gasperini will also return to the touchline after sitting out a ban in the defeat to Fiorentina.

“It’s far more important that Ederson is back from suspension than me! It is never pleasant to watch the game from up there.”

There is a remarkably tight battle for Europe and it could get even tougher if Atalanta fail to beat Lazio tomorrow.

“This is the joy of Serie A, there are so many strong teams, so we need the mentality, strength and determination to get the result,” added Gasperini.

“Lazio are a great team with many options to choose from and they are doing very well in the Europa League too. They have some ups and downs, as is natural, but these are two very similar teams. I think it will be an entertaining match.

“There are eight games left to play, so there’s time to go up or down.”