New Atalanta Nicolò Zaniolo explained why he chose to make the move from Galatasaray to La Dea, citing coach Gian Piero Gasperini as one of his main motivations. The 24-year-old winger opted to make the move back to Italy this summer, and gave his first official press conference as an Atalanta player.
Luca Percassi, CEO of Atalanta, began the conference. “It is a great source of pride to have brought him to Atalanta. It is right to let him speak. Best of luck for the season ahead.”
Zaniolo expressed his gratitude. “First of all, good afternoon to everyone. I wanted to thank the president, the director, the coach, and the staff for this opportunity to wear such a prestigious jersey. As soon as I heard about this club’s interest, I didn’t consider any other teams. I didn’t hesitate to choose this project. For me, it is the right step in my career. We know how good the coach is at bringing out the best in young players.”
When asked about his technical placement, Zaniolo respondred, “I think about playing first and foremost, in whatever position the coach decides. Up front, I can play all roles, from striker to attacking midfielder.”
Reflecting on his past aspirations, Zaniolo commented, “Two years ago, I wanted to go to Juventus. Things turned out the way they did. Atalanta can be my Juventus. Year after year, Atalanta is proving that it is no longer just a reality but a certainty. We need to perform well as we have in previous years, and the results will surely come.”
Regarding his return to the group, Zaniolo stated, “We are working morning and afternoon. I feel much better. I was out for a month and a half, two months. The injury is behind me, and the fracture is healed. I don’t set long-term goals but focus on short-term ones, day by day, to be available.”
On the crowded attacking department, Zaniolo remarked, “Competition is part of sports. The higher the bar, the stronger the teammates. I am happy to be part of this offensive department. I knew everyone before; they are great players. I can’t wait to start with them and show what I can do.”
Luca Percassi added a few words about the new acquisition of the sports center. “You know how much we care about infrastructure investments. We are proud of the stadium that is being completed. When the opportunity to expand the sports center arose, we seized it. We will create the tenth field at the sports center to make it even more enjoyable for all the kids and their families. We are particularly happy, as we have been following this situation for some time.”
Addressing his turbulent past year and whether this is his last chance, Zaniolo said, “I don’t feel pressure. I have to give my best, train at full capacity, and follow all the advice. This is not the last chance but a chance, and I want to seize it.”
Reflecting on the last two years, Zaniolo shared, “When I left Roma, I wanted a different experience abroad to mature as a person and a man. I needed and wanted a change. That doesn’t mean I would erase everything from these two years. There were many negative things but also positive ones. Now I am happy to be back in Italy and can’t wait to start.”
On his relationship with Scamacca and Carnesecchi, he said, “I have known Gianluca and Marco for a long time. With Gianluca, the relationship is even deeper as we saw each other off the field. When Atalanta called me, it was him who reached out. After the interest, my will was clear. I evaluated that it was the most important opportunity to seize.”
Discussing his Premier League experience, Zaniolo noted, “When you change countries, leave home, your family, your comfort zone, you mature. I went to England, where the culture and lifestyle were different. I feel much more mature now. The Premier League is different from Serie A, and this experience has enriched my background.”
Regarding his goal objectives, Zaniolo stated, “I want to be 100% ready for Real Madrid. I have team goals, performance goals, and improvement goals. Goals are very important, but in the long term, they seem unrealistic to me.”
On playing at Atalanta’s stadium, Zaniolo recalled, “Playing here was never easy with Roma. The matches were always intense. The stadium is passionate, and the fans made me feel their warmth and appreciation. I have seen it, and it is very beautiful.”
When asked about Atalanta becoming an ‘Ital-anta,’ Zaniolo said, “For the new arrivals, it is easier. I am Italian and have settled in well with the group. There are also foreigners who are the backbone of this team. The group is great, united, and everyone is rowing in the same direction.”
On his relationship with his father, Zaniolo shared, “He gives me a lot of advice. He always told me that the right coach for me was Gasperini. When this opportunity came up, I didn’t think twice. I had a great relationship with Vecchi.”
Discussing Atalanta’s improvement, Zaniolo stated, “It is now one of the best teams in Italy and also in Europe, as we saw last season. When I played against them, I was impressed by the team’s physical strength, running, depth attack, and relentless pressing. Playing against Atalanta felt like playing three matches in one.”
On the importance of patience, Zaniolo emphasized, “Patience is fundamental. When you make mistakes, they are immediately put at the center of controversy. Here, it is a place focused on the possibility of making mistakes. The results have been seen.”
On facing Real Madrid, Zaniolo recalled, “I made my debut against them but didn’t score. Let’s hope that maybe this year…”
Luca Percassi concluded, “We faced him as an opponent, feared and respected him as an opponent. From the first day he approached us, he showed excellent professionalism. He arrived on the first day of training camp to show how eager he is to recover and prove himself. We have done meticulous work with sporting director Tony D’Amico. We are confident we can do a great job together. Everything depends on the great dedication he will have to the details. His behavior has been perfect so far, in full Atalanta style. We are sure he will give us great satisfaction.”
Regarding Koopmeiners, Percassi states, “He is still here, just like the other days. Nothing has changed.”
