Legendary Italian coach Arrigo Sacchi has long been an astute observer of Atalanta’s progress. Now, with the Bergamo-based club on the cusp of the Serie A summit, Sacchi is looking beyond their current position to assess their potential.
When asked by Gazzetta dello Sport if Atalanta could win the Scudetto, Sacchi responded affirmatively: “I say yes. Gasperini’s team plays well, which is the first ingredient for winning the title. They have supportive fans and a united, competent club. It seems to me they have everything to go very far.”
However, Sacchi acknowledged the financial disparity between Atalanta and other title contenders: “Logically, and looking at investments, there are other clubs that should be fighting for the Scudetto. I’m thinking of Inter, Milan, Juventus, Napoli, Roma. All clubs that have spent much more than Atalanta in the market. But fortunately, football isn’t made only with money, but with ideas. And in Bergamo, they have many ideas, almost all good ones.”
Sacchi highlighted the impact of Atalanta’s Europa League victory: “The Europa League win, a trophy that no Italian team had won in over twenty years, gave new energy to the group and brought awareness of their own strength. You don’t win at Liverpool or in the final against Leverkusen if you don’t have technical and moral values.”
When asked about a player who has surprised him, Sacchi singled out Retegui: “He’s the top scorer in the league. Arriving at the last moment, after Scamacca’s injury, he immediately integrated. He’s always well-positioned in the game, scores in all ways, and his teammates serve him well.”
However, Sacchi reserved his highest praise for manager Gian Piero Gasperini: “He is a true master. He teaches football, helps players grow, stimulates them, trains them intensively, and gets the maximum from each of them. He’s a strategist, applies an international style of football to his team, and with his moves, like the one-on-one in every area of the field, he has given courage.”
Sacchi identified two potential obstacles for Atalanta: lack of experience at the very top and the challenge of balancing domestic and Champions League commitments. Nevertheless, he expressed strong faith in Gasperini’s abilities.
In conclusion, Sacchi stated: “Atalanta winning the title would be a joy for everyone because they entertain and possess a taste for the game.”
