Gian Piero Gasperini hails Charles De Ketelaere and the very fact Atalanta ‘at all times have the assumption we will win to the final minute’ as to remain
That’s 11 consecutive Serie A wins for La Dea, one thing solely achieved earlier than by Scudetto winners Inter and Napoli.
“Sure, however when Inter and Napoli had 11 in a row, they created a giant hole on the high of the desk,”
“There are lots of groups crammed collectively up there and it makes this a really thrilling marketing campaign. Now we’re high of the desk for Christmas, it’s a rare outcome. We hope 2025 may be as fantastic as 2024, however we’ve acquired to maintain this mentality going.”
Has successful the Europa League made Gasperini’s Atalanta true contenders for extra silverware?
“I feel all of it comes from our vitality and workforce spirit. Even when it’s not our greatest day, we nonetheless have the assumption we will win to the final minute. That mentality makes the distinction, we by no means give in.”
It was a tricky slog within the closing match of 2024 on the Gewiss Stadium, as Lorenzo Colombo pounced on distracted defending and Sebastiano Esposito transformed a controversial penalty, however Ademola Lookman and the Charles De Ketelaere brace secured the 3-2 victory.
“We fought again in opposition to a workforce that got here right here to play good soccer. After all, the 2 targets they scored had been right down to our distraction and a penalty awarded by VAR, but it surely was nonetheless to our credit score that we gained.
“The primary purpose we had been virtually distracted admiring our followers and didn’t spot the throw-in routine. I assumed the penalty was extraordinarily beneficiant, let’s put it that method, however regardless of all that we confirmed character and the need to win. It was a deserved victory ultimately.”
Gasperini sees De Ketelaere symbolize Atalanta willpower
If De Ketelaere had impressed final season, he has gone from energy to energy with Atalanta, scoring 10 targets and offering 9 assists to this point.
“Charles has gained confidence and improved in his aerial capacity, as he confirmed in the present day,” continued Gasperini.
“The second purpose is basically extraordinary, he began from a large place and carried it via. He wished these targets in any respect prices, he’s not a thriller anymore, however a assure for this workforce.”
With Marten de Roon suspended in the present day, Mario Pasalic was dropped again right into a midfield spot to fill the hole.
“Because the years go by, that function fits him increasingly more. It was an excellent efficiency from Pasalic in the present day, he makes the workforce tick, with him and Ederson I’ve the choice of utilizing them in varied completely different positions.”
There was some dangerous information, as Mateo Retegui limped off after simply 21 minutes with a muscular downside, changed by Nicolò Zaniolo.
“It doesn’t appear severe, however he can be out for just a few days,” defined Gasperini.
“Zaniolo was decisive in the present day with the help for Lookman’s purpose. In video games like this, you want that sort of high quality.”
