Atalanta coach Gian Piero Gasperini was impressed with his teams 2-0 win over Sassuolo, applauding his players for enduring a ‘hellish’ atmosphere. La Dea started the game on the front foot, creating a number of chances and hitting the woodwork before finally taking the lead in the second half through new signing Charles De Ketelaere. Speaking with DAZN after the game, Gasperini refused to make comparisons between the Belgian midfielder and former star Josip Iličić, and explained why he would never stand in the way of club stalwarts Luis Muriel and Duvan Zapata.
“It must be said that today we played in a hellish atmosphere. You have to applaud all the players. The quality and fresh players we subbed into the second half shifted the balance. We played a very careful game, this allows us to work well.”
“De Ketelaere? Atalanta has the chance in this league to field fresh players, back from not great seasons. It’s too early to make parralells between him with Ilicic, they have different characteristics. There is a lot of work to do, but he comes from an environment like Milan, where they work very well. I have an advantage. He has the right qualities, I like him. having said that, it is not all good what he did today! (laughing, ed)”
“De Roon? By now he is my collaborator on the pitch! My motivation this season is stronger. Zapat? If he is at Atalanta, I will play him. With him, as with Muriel, I will never go against their choices: I owe too much to these players. They have to be happy, they will decide with the club.”
