Marten de Roon, a beloved citizen of Bergamo who has begun his ninth season with Atalanta, spoke with Gazzetta dello Sport about the team’s current form and ambitions. The Dutch midfielder, known for his loyalty to the club, shares his thoughts on Atalanta’s impressive performance and the joy they’re experiencing on the pitch.
When asked about life in Bergamo, De Roon enthusiastically responded, “You could say both now. I’ve always thought that life here is good, and now I also think that the way we’re playing is a spectacle. In the early years, that type of play was a surprise: it’s less easy now that people know us, and yet…”
Comparing the current Atalanta squad to previous iterations, De Roon reflected, “The years with Papu, Ilicic, Zapata, Muriel coming off the bench: that was fun. But now there’s more balance; that team was much less solid defensively.”
The enjoyment on the pitch is palpable, as De Roon confirmed, “It’s true, very much so. Against Cesena, at one point I was watching them from behind and applauding.”
Discussing Atalanta’s remarkable progress, De Roon attributed their success to “A bit of luck, player growth, and above all, more maturity. Which means being able to win games that we would have lost in the past.” He cited specific matches where this maturity shone through, praising the coach’s bold decisions and the team’s depth.
On maintaining humility despite their success, De Roon acknowledged the challenge: “Yes, of course. They ask us if we’re playing for the Scudetto: we don’t say that word, but it’s difficult to deny that you’re there and use clichés like ‘It’s still a long way…’. But there will come a time when we’ll have to state our objectives. Not yet: I still see Inter as the strongest.”
De Roon noted a subtle change in Gasperini’s demeanour: “Perhaps, at least occasionally, I see him enjoying more of what we do. The thought bubble, if it were a comic: ‘Mamma mia, what are we doing?'”
Regarding Atalanta’s playing style, De Roon explained, “The principles are always the same, today we put even more leg and physicality into it. And when Scamacca returns, we’ll have even more offensive options: it could be important.”
On the team’s improved defence, he added, “We are much more solid. And complete. Against Inter, the back three was: me, Djimsiti, and Ruggeri. Now with Scalvini’s recovery, there are six or seven for three shirts. And the attackers have understood that their first task is defensive: it helps us a lot.”
De Roon praised the development of key players like Carnesecchi, Ederson, and the attacking trio. He’s particularly effusive about Ederson: “There are no words: speed and recovery ability that no one else has.”
Looking ahead to Scamacca’s return, De Roon said, “I look in his eyes and see the desire to return tomorrow. But his physique needs to take the right time because when he returns, he’ll be fundamental only if he’s at his best: that way he’ll bring us something different.”
On his own goal-scoring form, De Roon joked, “It’s possible. Also because Ederson has learned to cover me more if I go forward. And I do go, sometimes.”
Reflecting on the team’s celebratory moments, De Roon highlighted the recent 4-0 victory against Cesena: “When those up front ‘talk’ to each other by accelerating like that, it’s a wonder.”
As for the upcoming match against Empoli, De Roon remained cautious: “They play good football. It can be an advantage because they leave more spaces, but it means they have the strength to attack you, players who have goals in their legs.”
Finally, when asked about the team’s Scudetto ambitions, De Roon revealed, “If someone in the locker room utters the word Scudetto, we all tell him to shut up. But no one has done it yet: everyone maybe thinks it, but no one wants to say it. If we’re still there in April, we can talk about it.”
