Gasperini Praises Atalanta’s 5-0 Win and Injury-Free Performance

Atalanta manager Gian Piero Gasperini expressed his satisfaction with the team’s commanding 5-0 victory against Verona, but emphasized that the most crucial outcome was avoiding any new injuries during the match.

Atalanta has been grappling with a significant injury crisis recently, limiting their options for squad rotation. Despite these challenges, they dominated the game at Stadio Bentegodi, with Mateo Retegui scoring an impressive four goals and Ederson adding another.

Gasperini commented, “We controlled the game well in the first half. After the break, we were able to introduce some different players without risking further injuries. For the first time in weeks, no one got hurt, which is paramount for us right now.”

The manager also discussed his tactical experiments, particularly with Charles De Ketelaere on the left flank in Ademola Lookman’s absence. He noted De Ketelaere’s adaptability and impact on the team’s attacking play.

Looking ahead to Atalanta’s upcoming Champions League playoff against Club Brugge, Gasperini expressed enthusiasm for the competition, stating, “We love the Champions League. When these fixtures come around, players seem to forget their minor aches and pains.”

He acknowledged the team’s recent dip in form, attributing it largely to the injury crisis. “Our recent results haven’t been great, but we’ve been hampered by injuries, some quite serious. Even minor injuries can cause a player to miss six games in two weeks,” Gasperini explained.

This victory comes as a welcome boost for Atalanta, who had won only one of their previous six Serie A matches and suffered a midweek Coppa Italia loss to Bologna. The convincing performance against Verona sets a positive tone as they prepare for their European challenge.