At the premiere of a documentary celebrating Atalanta’s Europa League victory, Lega Serie A President Ezio Simonelli lauded the club’s achievements. He highlighted Atalanta as a prime example of effective management and praised Gian Piero Gasperini as a source of pride for Italian football.

Historically, Atalanta had fluctuated between Serie A and B, rarely aspiring beyond mid-table positions. However, since Gasperini’s appointment in 2016, the club has reached new heights, including Champions League qualification, a Coppa Italia Final appearance, and their first UEFA tournament win.

Simonelli emphasized Atalanta’s remarkable transformation from a small-town club to a prominent force in Italian and European football. He commended the Percassi family and the management team for their ability to balance financial prudence with sporting success, proving that fiscal responsibility and ambitious goals can coexist.

Gasperini: A Key Factor in Atalanta’s Success

The president highlighted Gasperini’s crucial role in Atalanta’s ascent. With domestic recognition through the Bearzot Award and a runner-up position for the Golden Bench, Gasperini’s achievements on the international stage have solidified his status as one of Europe’s top coaches and a pride of Italian football.

Atalanta’s progress extends beyond the pitch, with the renovation of their Gewiss Stadium. Simonelli praised the modern arena for its services and excellent visibility, setting a benchmark for other Italian clubs to follow. He expressed hope that this project would inspire similar developments across Serie A, noting increased political support for such initiatives.

The club’s long-standing commitment to youth development was also emphasized. Simonelli suggested that Atalanta’s focus on nurturing young talent should motivate other clubs, viewing it as a key strategy for revitalizing Italian football and potentially shortening the wait for another World Cup triumph.