Amid an emergency, Atalanta have gained an extremely important point at the Olimpico in Rome, as it ended 0-0 against Lazio. The Nerazzurri put their heart into the game, played with determination and focus and never gave up. Gian Piero Gasperini couldn’t be more satisfied: “The lads did amazing”.
Gian Piero Gasperini, can we say this Atalanta side was impressive? As you were in a major emergency this evening.
“Yes, the lads did amazing. This was yet another proof of attachment, heart, ability, and you have to put this one first: if don’t have quality and ability, you can’t adapt like that. This was a difficult game in itself, which we neutralized a bit. Except for a big chance for them, when they hit the post, it seems to me that we have conceded very little.”
Did you sleep last night or did you think about how to line up the available players?
“Well, it all started yesterday. I hadn’t had these thoughts until yesterday. We had been working hard all week, then it all burst yesterday afternoon. So, it’s clear I’ve thought about it a lot. Then I reflected on the fact that I shouldn’t have distorted several things… I had a gap in midfield and between Mæhle, Rafa [Toloi] and Scalvini, I decided to play the latter, as he’s perhaps the most used to it and the one with a pace that is similar to midfielders. I needed his height on Milinkovic-Savic. He’s also a guy with a lot of character and he had already played in that position, both in training and in the youth teams.”
In the final minutes, you threw on Sidibe and De Nipoti. This Atalanta side made us proud.
“Those were the final minutes, I needed to break up the tempo a little and a bit of freshness too.
They all did great. This is also helpful for these boys, making a debut in a match of this kind
and giving a contribution, even if for only a few minutes… However, those minutes were decisive, as it’s where matches are decided.”
I think you’re happy that there’s a break now.
“Yes, absolutely and fortunately. We’ll rest a few days now and then we’ll get back to it, as I’ve never lived anything like this, personally. I don’t think Atalanta have ever lived it either. I don’t know how many teams have had this experience… Enough! Let’s get out of this, we can’t stand it anymore!”