Gasperini's Pride in Atalanta's Performance

Gian Piero Gasperini, the mastermind behind Atalanta's impressive performance, firmly believes his team 'thoroughly deserved' their 2-1 victory against AC Milan and claims that Milan's coach, Paulo Fonseca, is merely trying to distract from the defeat.

Despite serving a two-match touchline ban and sitting in the stands, Gasperini's presence is palpable as Atalanta secured their remarkable ninth consecutive Serie A win, solidifying their position as a title contender. This victory marks a club record, previously set between February and July 2020, placing Atalanta temporarily at the top of the league, while they await Napoli’s match against Lazio on Sunday.

Match Highlights and Reactions

The match witnessed a thrilling back-and-forth, with Charles De Ketelaere and Ademola Lookman finding the net for Atalanta, overcoming an equalizer from Alvaro Morata. Post-match, Gasperini expressed pride in his team's performance against a squad he acknowledges as one of the league's most talented.

He told Sky Sport Italia, “This victory means a lot against a team rich in skill. We dominated the stats in what was a challenging match. Milan had their chances early on, but we countered effectively and created quality scoring opportunities. In the second half, we maintained our intent; we were in pursuit of victory. Our spirit was evident, and we wanted to claim all three points.”

Fonseca's Controversial Remarks

Contrast this with Fonseca’s furious post-match remarks, where he accused the referee of bias against his side, a statement Gasperini dismissed as an attempt to deflect attention from the match itself. “If he wishes to divert focus, that’s up to him,” Gasperini responded. He went on to highlight De Ketelaere's remarkable goal and expressed that, aside from minor disputes over throw-ins, there were no contentious decisions impacting the game.

Fan Excitement and Future Aspirations

Atalanta supporters erupted in chants of 'we will win the Scudetto' at full-time, an outburst that Gasperini both acknowledged and appreciated, considering it a reflection of the long-suffering fans in Bergamo. "This is unprecedented; our fans have struggled for decades," he commented. “Let them enjoy this moment. We can celebrate, but we must stay grounded.”

With nearly a decade at the helm, Gasperini was asked if this squad is his best yet. He reflected on the evolution of the team, remaining appreciative of past iterations while recognizing the current squad's achievements.

Looking Ahead to Champions League Clash

Looking ahead, Atalanta prepares for a crucial Champions League clash against Real Madrid on Tuesday, where they stand unbeaten and poised for a deep run in the tournament. “It’s an exciting time for the city and our club,” he said. “We’re on the brink of advancing in the Champions League, with aspirations for further success.”

As for the forthcoming match against Real Madrid, Gasperini offered a humble perspective, admitting that claiming to be favorites is subjective, but expressed eagerness for the challenge, adding with a smile, “I’ll take tonight's victory with gratitude.”

Growing Anticipation

With the team’s momentum building, fans and football enthusiasts alike are eager to see how Atalanta will fare in the face of European giants. The buzz around the club continues to grow, raising the stakes for their upcoming encounters.