Atalanta coach Gian Piero Gasperini believes youngster Giorgio Scalvini is destined for greatness following their 3-3 draw with Juventus. La Dea twice went ahead at the Allianz Stadium but were pegged back by goals from Angel Di Maria and Danilo. Speaking to DAZN after the match, Gasperini was full of praise for his young team and singled out Scalvini as one for the future:
“We conceded two goals by losing two fairly simple balls. Then there was that pseudo-penalty… Lookman put in an extraordinary performance. Him, Boga and Hojlund like Zapata, Ilicic and Muriel? The characteristics are completely different, especially as Duvan Zapata is very physical, whereas Hojlund is just 19, he will grow. Papu and Ilicic had extraordinary technique, whereas Boga and Lookman prefer pace. If we score as many goals, I don’t mind!
We are talking about a different Atalanta but one which is giving me a lot of satisfaction. Scalvini? He is already a great player at 19: he is a leader on and off the pitch. He’s destined for greatness. Wherever you put him he has quality and class.
The Juventus case? I spent many years in black and white, I have great memories: from the 1982 World Cup champions to Del Piero: all the rest is not within my competence. Frankly, I am not happy when tables are changed during a season, I prefer it to be done at the start or the end, otherwise there is little credibility.
Atalanta have often been unfairly and incorrectly pulled into these matters, but our capital gains are real.”
