ROME (ITALPRESS) – “Atalanta has never hidden, it has always tried to play match by match and see where it can get. Scudetto? The championship has split a bit. Up there they are all very close and all of them can dream. Then, compared to all the others, I think Inter has a few more chances. But it is right that we, Fiorentina and Lazio at this moment can be particularly happy.” Thus Atalanta coach Gian Piero Gasperini, host of ‘Radio Anch’io Sport’ on Rai Radio 1, on the Nerazzurri’s Scudetto bid after yesterday’s victory at the Maradona against Conte’s Napoli. “Atalanta like Verona 84-85? Difficult to make comparisons – admits the Nerazzurri coach – Atalanta changes a lot every year, maybe even loses some players and there are many new ones. Winning the Europa League made a qualitative leap: it gave self-esteem, confidence, conviction. We are working on this and trying to include the newcomers as well. In order to play and win there needs to be a further and also very effective burst to try to have hope.” Atalanta’s growth is also the result of its now constant commitment to Europe: “There is no doubt that the cups have helped us. So many say that the cups take something away from you, there was a period when they seemed almost an impediment. Instead, the cups for us are exceptional. They can take something away from you because of the frequency of matches and some injuries, however, the ability to play on other rhythms for us has been extraordinary. It enriches you athletically and tactically. If this baggage you then take it to the league you certainly have some benefit.” Chapter Retegui, still scoring: “The credit belongs to the boy. It’s not that I can give a few extra things. I can try to help them express what are already their qualities. We can have ideas, but then the boys’ responses are decisive. Mateo’s response has been exceptional, the ability to apply on the field what we believe and think is all thanks to him.” In Naples, ‘Gasp’ admits, “we expressed ourselves well, one of the best games of this period. We were good in all aspects: tactically, technically, above all we defended in the best way and at the beginning of the season we had some problems in this respect. Apart from the Napoli fans, everyone was cheering for us yesterday, we made everyone a little bit happy.” For January there is talk of Daniel Maldini, a forward from Monza, as a possible reinforcement: “I don’t know, he is certainly a guy who is doing very well. Atalanta has to look around, especially for this profile of players. These are the ones it can afford, who it can make improve and grow. The most important goal for Atalanta is budgets, the type of player they are thinking about is very similar to Maldini.” The increase in matches and a crowded schedule are now a reality: “Too many matches are being added, some of which are not always pleasant. The risk of so many matches is injuries, which often happen in matches and almost never in training. On the issue of rest, we had a very positive experience last year, where from February to June we always played three games a week, using 15-16 players. You can also play three times a week.” Gasperini also has his say on the situation Juric, a ‘pupil’ of his, is experiencing at Roma: “It is a very explosive situation, born after De Rossi’s exoneration. He took a very hot potato, the results can save him. They came at the beginning, now they are struggling. Ivan is a good coach, he knows how to work, if he is supported he can give results. The one in Rome is a very difficult situation, he is also quite alone, he is putting his face on everything. He is doing everything within his possibilities.” Champions still knocks on Atalanta’s doors and the new formula does not convince everyone: “There is the particularity of this global ranking, I still struggle to understand if it is the right solution. The calendar is very different. I see it as a test this new formula: there is not the same adrenaline as the direct clashes, but at the end of this first phase we will be able to draw conclusions. Certainly there will be some uncertainty and also some confusion.” Meanwhile, Stuttgart looms: “In Turin they played the best game this year. Stuttgart is a strong and physical team, I also saw them in the game against Leverkusen that they drew. Going to play in Germany is definitely another great test.” The coach of the orobici also takes stock of Ederson’s moment: “Player in great evolution. When he arrived in Bergamo he was an insertion offensive mid-winger, now he has become a player of great balance and a very good ball catcher. He can make a further step on the level of game setting and vision, he is already starting to try a few more game changes. Ederson is proof that in soccer things change all the time, nothing is static. You can always do something new.” Finally, Gasperini is already ready to enjoy an Inter-Napoli match that promises sparks: “Good match between the first and second in the standings, it is the expression of our championship, Then there are all teams around there that will try to take advantage of it. For now it seems to me a good championship, played well on the level of quality.”- Photo Ipa Agency -(ITALPRESS).
