As Gian Piero Gasperini celebrates his 66th birthday, his birthday wish is more than just a win. The Atalanta coach, after the impressive 5-0 victory against Frosinone, hopes for a return to the same form the team showcased before the enforced break due to the Inter game’s cancellation, which was involved in the Italian Super Cup. The crucial aspect to observe in the upcoming match against Udinese is whether Atalanta have maintained the same grace exhibited in terms of gameplay, physical condition, and psychological and character impact on the game. Approaching the previous version of Atalanta would mean having excellent chances to assert its objective superiority over a team that, despite its current position, is stronger on paper, as Gasperini pointed out:
“It’s true, as shown in the first leg, we were fortunate to turn the game around at the end. But their recent match against Milan reflects evident strengths, certainly more than their position suggests. Udinese can defend compactly and counter-attack with fast and quality players, as seen in Udine. This had created some difficulties for us before – and we’ll need to be careful – although today we have more certainties and a better way of attacking. In any case, winning this kind of match would indeed be a great gift: for the standings, to maintain momentum, and to demonstrate quality and strength once again.”
“I hope the momentum doesn’t change, and the trend continues. It can’t be that a skipped match changes the situation. We want to restart with the same energy, strength, and conviction. Playing at Gewiss is an opportunity, and leveraging this boost would elevate our game. Why have we improved? There has been individual player growth, particularly in defense and midfield with more important filtering capabilities. The addition of Kolasinac has been an added value, providing us with a different physicality and utilizing more headers. Tomorrow, besides Lookman, engaged in the Africa Cup of Nations, we will miss the height of Koopmeiners and Hien, both injured. Two unfortunate setbacks. Koop crossed cleats with a teammate, something that happens once every thousand years, and got a long and deep cut. Hien had this muscle problem in a clash with Ederson. We have lost two players who were particularly in good shape, but we count on quick recoveries.”
Meanwhile, Gasp relies on Scamacca’s improved condition: “He has worked well, but he needs to increase his dynamism and range of action. Thus, his performances will improve because he possesses known qualities. He can also play alongside De Ketelaere, thanks to Charles’s versatility, who can coexist with everyone, including Muriel. Tomorrow, besides Lookman, engaged in the Africa Cup of Nations, we will miss the height of Koopmeiners and Hien, both injured. Two unfortunate setbacks. Koop crossed cleats with a teammate, something that happens once every thousand years, and got a long and deep cut. Hien had this muscle problem in a clash with Ederson. We have lost two players who were particularly in good shape, but we count on quick recoveries.”
This season’s 18th goal might be a new offensive weapon: “This is one of the things that gives me more satisfaction because it reflects my playing philosophy: everyone is capable of assisting or shooting on goal, even those coming from behind. However, to achieve higher goals, you need some attackers to raise their personal goal threshold. The cooperative keeps you up, but the leap in quality is made only this way.”
As the transfer market approaches its closure, Gasperini comments, “The squad, in terms of numbers, is very complete. The team is defined, and I don’t believe there are opportunities to strengthen it. Perhaps there may be a chance to insert perspective players, for the first team or the Under 23s, with some particularly interesting young talents. But I don’t know if the market will allow it.”
