As Atalanta gear up for their first match in the Coppa Italia this season, head coach Gian Piero Gasperini is optimistic about his team’s chances against Cesena. The match is set to take place on Wednesday at the Gewiss Stadium in Bergamo. This encounter marks a crucial moment for Atalanta as they aim to progress in a tournament that offers a pathway to silverware.
Gasperini expressed his enthusiasm for the Coppa Italia, stating, “It remains a goal of the season, especially given the format that allows for immediate advancement.” His focus is clear: Atalanta intends to make a strong impression in this knockout competition.
Despite a strong performance in Serie A, where they currently sit at the top of the table, Gasperini emphasized that discussions about winning the Scudetto should be tempered. “There’s a lot of talk about this, but it’s not about feeling stronger. We play our matches and do our best. Many teams are competing within just a few points,” he noted. With 16 matches completed in the league, he believes it’s premature to make bold predictions about championship aspirations.
Looking back at their recent match against Cagliari, Gasperini acknowledged that luck played a role in their performance. “In the first half, we had a bit of luck, which sometimes counts for everyone. In the second half, we did well and deserved our advantage,” he commented. His analysis reflects a balanced approach to assessing both fortune and skill in their gameplay.
Midfielder Marten de Roon’s remarks have resonated with Gasperini, who values player development. “The statements from De Roon are important to me. Coming from youth football, my goal has always been to help players reach higher achievements,” he said. He credits the entire Atalanta environment for fostering growth and development among players.
One player who has caught Gasperini’s attention is Nicolò Zaniolo. After scoring in two consecutive matches, Zaniolo has shown signs of improvement following his recovery from injury. “He has grown athletically and dynamically after a long injury layoff. What speaks is always the field; he is in a moment of growth,” Gasperini remarked. He emphasized patience and confidence in Zaniolo’s development as part of the team’s overall strategy.
