Atalanta secured an impressive 2-0 away victory against Stuttgart in the Champions League, with Ademola Lookman and Nicolo Zaniolo finding the back of the net. Following the match, manager Gian Piero Gasperini shared his thoughts on the team’s performance and their prospects for the season.
Gasperini began by highlighting the team’s ambition: “We came here with ambition, but winning is another matter. These stadiums are beautiful. We were coming off a great victory, today we suffered a bit in the end, but these Champions League matches are a reason for growth and give us confidence.”
The Atalanta boss emphasized the importance of their defensive solidity: “So far, even against teams like Arsenal, we have shown solidity. We are building our points from the defense.”
Regarding the significance of the win, Gasperini stated: “More than for the league, this is a victory that puts us in a good position in the Champions League standings. There are many teams within a few points; it’s a good step forward. We’ll go to Udinese with high morale.”
When asked about the possibility of competing for the Scudetto, Gasperini was cautious: “I respect everyone’s impressions. I say that in June, I stayed mainly with the ambition not so much to make a long contract, but to have a team that was coming from a victory in Europe and a Champions League qualification. The intention was to strengthen, then this summer what happened, happened.”
He continued, “But if you ask me if we’re ready to win the Scudetto, I say no. Maybe we can hope to grow and insert ourselves. We’re happy with the path we’re on, but to win the Scudetto requires taking other steps forward. I don’t think I’m saying anything heretical or that it’s a way to hide. We set out to make a competitive team, capable of playing in Europe.”
Gasperini also expressed his confidence in Nicolò Zaniolo: “I count a lot on him; he’s an additional boost to continue growing.”
