Gasperini:"We Are in Excellent Form; Growing Together and Supporting Each Other"

After Atalanta's impressive 6-1 victory over Young Boys in the fifth round of the UEFA Champions League, head coach Gian Piero Gasperini spoke to Sky Sports in an interview.



Coach, this was an exciting performance and an important win. What’s Atalanta’s secret?

"We are currently in excellent form, both in the league and in Europe. Last year’s Europa League victory gave the team tremendous confidence and stability. That was the first step in our evolution. With the arrival of many new players, they have grown and integrated into the squad, helping us find better balance. This blend of experience and fresh talent has been key to our success."
Tonight was also a night of firsts: Retegui, Kolašinac, and De Ketelaere all scored their first Champions League goals, with De Ketelaere particularly standing out with two goals and three assists.

What’s your take on these performances?

"We approached this match with the utmost seriousness, knowing it wouldn’t be easy—just as it wasn’t against Inter a few weeks ago. Retegui played a crucial role from the start, while De Ketelaere showcased his full potential with an extraordinary performance tonight. Kolašinac scored a classic striker’s goal. Cuadrado also impressed, and Samardžić capped the game with a stunning goal. It highlights how united this team is and how prepared we are to grow together."

Next, you face two tough league matches against Roma and Milan, followed by a Champions League showdown with Real Madrid. How is the team preparing for this challenging stretch?

"We need to approach every match with the same focus we showed today. The win over Young Boys has given us momentum, but we know tougher challenges lie ahead. The games against Roma and Milan will be crucial tests for our league campaign, and we hope to play courageously and seize our chances against Real Madrid. The schedule is tight, but with an almost complete squad, we are ready."

You often emphasize the importance of the team’s collective strength. How critical has this been for integrating new players?

"It’s been absolutely vital. I’ve been fortunate to have a core of experienced players who not only understand our playing system but also help new arrivals integrate both on and off the pitch. In Bergamo, from the club staff to the players, there is a shared culture of hard work and respect. That’s our foundation: growing together and supporting one another."