Atalanta head coach Gian Piero Gasperini reflected on his team’s remarkable form following their 3-2 victory over Empoli, a result that secured their 11th consecutive Serie A win and ensured they remain top of the table heading into the Christmas break. Speaking after the match, Gasperini praised his players while remaining cautious about title ambitions.
When asked about whether their winning streak signals a push for the Scudetto, Gasperini responded, “Eleven wins in a row synonymous with the Scudetto? There are a lot of teams within a few points of each other. We played a great game, but we conceded a goal from a throw-in that caught us off guard and then another from a penalty after we had turned the match around. Managing to win it was an incredible achievement.”
Gasperini also highlighted individual performances, particularly praising Mario Pasalic and Ademola Lookman. “Pasalic had an excellent game. He’s someone who makes the team play well; he’s very versatile and intelligent. Ederson also played very well, and Lookman has gained confidence,” he said.
The coach reserved special praise for Charles De Ketelaere, who scored twice in the match, including a stunning solo effort to seal the victory. “I’m convinced he’ll score many goals with his head,” Gasperini remarked. “He has great elevation, reads the timing well, and has excellent positioning. His second goal tonight was extraordinary. He’s full of confidence. On a night when Lookman wasn’t at his best and Retegui got injured, it was up to him to step up, and he was extraordinary.”
Gasperini also addressed Mateo Retegui’s injury, which forced an early substitution in the first half. “We’ll evaluate his condition. It doesn’t seem like a particularly serious injury, but he will definitely be out for a few days,” Gasperini explained.
