Gasp: 'Amazing Atalanta mentality'

By Football Italia staff

Gian Piero Gasperini confessed Atalanta’s greatest strength is their “mentality” after beating Genoa to temporarily go third and close on a Champions League spot.

The Orobici were without key players including Papu Gomez, Andrea Masiello and Rafael Toloi today, but still won 2-1 and extended their unbeaten run to 11 Serie A rounds.

“Today’s win really is important, as the closer we get to the finish line, the more decisive each point becomes. Mathematically, we have only a few points left to go, but it also puts us in a better state of mind going into the Coppa Italia Final,” Gasp told Sky Sport Italia.

“This team is extraordinary in terms of mentality. The rest comes later, tactically, physically, but the psychological level is so important. I see every fear and doubt disappear in that dressing room and we focus entirely on winning the game.

“It was very difficult, as we hadn’t played in the afternoon sun for a while, quite a few players weren’t at their best and we were missing others, but we did it.”

Gasp was asked about reports he could be offered a massive club job over the summer, with the likes of Milan, Roma and Juventus interested.

“At this moment, we are experiencing a fantastic moment and I don’t understand all this talk of the future. The President knows my thoughts, now we have to reach this target.

“I don’t know what future Atalanta will have if we reach the Champions league, Europa League or Coppa Italia. As things stand, that’s the last of our considerations.

“We want to thank the fans who are following us in extraordinary numbers, they’ll come with entire families from Bergamo to Rome for the Final. We have to keep the dream going for them.

“I think Atalanta’s style of football is not dissimilar to the one I had at Genoa, but we were less consistent in terms of results there. Here, there is a combination of consistency in performance and results that makes us very effective.

“I firmly believe you are more likely to get good results if you play good football.”

Watch Serie A live in the UK on Premier Sports for just £9.99 per month including live LaLiga, Eredivisie, Scottish Cup Football and more. Visit: https://www.premiersports.com/subscribenow