The buzz from Atalanta’s victory over Juventus is still strong. The 4-0 scoreline by ‘The Goddess’ captured global attention. Gian Piero Gasperini, Atalanta’s coach, in an interview with Sport TV at the Allianz Stadium, made a promise: he will travel to Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, to dance samba if they clinch the Serie A title.
THE PROMISE – When asked by Andersinho (“If this Atalanta wins the Scudetto, will we see Gasperini dancing samba?”), the coach humorously abandoned his usual cautious statements. “Absolutely, even in Rio dancing! I’ll visit my friend Leo Junior in Rio. Leo, if we win the Scudetto, I’m definitely coming, I’ll visit you this time!”, he said with a smile.
FORMER TEAMMATES – Leo Junior, born Leovegildo Lins da Gama Junior, was a high-caliber midfielder, a starter for Brazil in the 1982 and 1986 World Cups. He played with Gasperini at Pescara between 1987 and 1989. Their bond is strong, and 35 years later, it might be rekindled for a very special reason.