Gasp: Atalanta aren't Leicester

By Football Italia staff

Gian Piero Gasperini disagrees Atalanta are the new Leicester City and warns “there’s no meritocracy in Italian football”, despite his club’s historic results.

Juventus sporting director Fabio Paratici recently suggested Atalanta “can be the Italian Leicester”, comparing the two sides’ perceived overachievement.

However, Gasperini responded via Corriere dello Sport: “He wanted to compliment us but he knows very well that, in the title race, Juventus’ only rivals are themselves.

“What Leicester did is something that won’t be repeated anywhere in the world. That’s why it’s a fairy tale.

“However, we’re not thinking about them. Our thoughts are more concrete and immediate.

“Percassi’s right to say that our objective must be survival because it’s the first step towards aiming high.

“As for whether I’d take third place right now, I wouldn’t.”

The Dea are set to rake in the cash from qualifying for the Champions League group stage, but the Coach made it clear progress on the pitch was not enough.

“Salaries don’t go out on the pitch and win you games. The financial aspect, however, is crucial because it forces you to sell players for €20-25m, when the big sides can pay more.

“There’s no meritocracy in Italian football so if Atalanta finish third, fourth or fifth for three seasons in a row, it can’t bridge the gap with the big sides.”

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