Gravina: Atalanta example for Serie A

By Football Italia staff

FIGC President Gabriele Gravina has declared that Atalanta are the ‘example’ for Italian clubs to follow after their Champions League exploits.

Atalanta reached Europe’s elite club competition for the first time on Sunday, despite their lack of financial clout, and Gravina believes they are now the blueprint for other smaller sides in Serie A.

“It was a beautiful result, which proved that football is never predictable,” the 65-year-old told reporters.

“The biggest and richest teams don’t always win, sometimes the smaller teams can do well with proper planning, just like Atalanta who set the example to follow for Italian football.

“I followed what was happening in the final matches and was excited right up until the end. It proved that we had a competitive League this season.

“However, I’m sorry for Empoli who nearly kept themselves up last night, but they are a well-organised club and know what it means to plan. They will bounce back soon.”

On June 11, the Regional Administrative Court (TAR) is set to reach a verdict over Foggia’s appeal to have their six-point deduction lifted and have a chance at staying in Serie B.

If successful, they will face Salernitana in a playout to decide who goes down to the third tier.

“I’m not worried about the developments in Serie B; I always take my responsibilities seriously and we’re waiting to hear what the outcome from the federal court will be. I’ll make my decision then.

“The national teams have a busy period coming up, the Under-17s reached the Final of the European Championship, the Under-20s are doing well at the World Cup, then we have the Under-19 tournament, the Women’s World Cup and the Under-21 Championship in June.

“I don’t believe the senior team’s games against Greece and Bosnia will be decisive for our qualification for Euro 2020. The road is long and there are still many matches to play.”

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