Gian Piero Gasperini was thrilled with Atalanta’s 1-0 win over Sturm Graz in the Europa League: “I think it was a deserved victory.” The victory ensures La Dea a place in the next round of the competition, something Gasperini pointed to in his post-match interview with Sky Sport Italia:
“Did I have fun? Well, I mean! (laughs, ed.) They were pressing very well and we were finding it difficult to play well, we were a bit off the pace. But in the second half it was a different game and I think it was a deserved victory. Rotate the men more? Yes, but there’s still an important game against Sporting, who were the best placed at the start of the round,”
“Bakker? On the flanks we had always played with Ruggeri and Zappacosta, tonight Bakker did well and showed good condition and good quality, he held up until the end. Why do we speak Dutch with so many players? So they understand each other! Especially Bakker who only speaks Dutch, but I’m satisfied”.
“What hasn’t convinced me this season? Many are asking me. Obviously many are expecting a lot from Atalanta, but we are growing. We lost to Inter, but it’s okay to lose that way, because we’re not playing for the Scudetto. I don’t feel in that condition. The championship is balanced and many teams are growing. I only look at the technical aspect, the emotional aspect of the rankings is out of my vision. If you then ask me to win something, surely we have to grow in so many things. But I am satisfied with what we are doing.
“Ederson and De Roon? In the middle, we have Djimsiti, Kolasinac, Toloi and Koopmeiners, which is our strong core. I find it very hard to give them up. They are the hard core of our team, which is certainly competitive. If we can improve with the outfield and do better things in attack, we will definitely raise the level.
“What surprised me about Kolasinac? It’s like he’s been playing with us for a long time, both in terms of personality and defensive ability. He’s very shrewd, he’s a player we needed. You can see that he has played at a high level. It was very easy for him to fit in, he really strengthened us. Now we are waiting for all the others. But at the back, despite the injuries we are doing well and the players are highlanders.”
