After facing the first Europa League finalist, VfB Stuttgart now meets Europa League finalist No. 2. On the fourth matchday of the Champions League, Atalanta BC is coming to visit. Atalanta fan Cettina gives us insight into what’s going on with “La Dea.
With the Red Stripe: How is Atalanta BC’s season going so far? Are you satisfied?
Cettina: After the worst start in years, the season is now going quite satisfactorily; after all, Atalanta is currently in third place, managed to defeat league leader Napoli, and boasts the most dangerous offense in the league. The team’s three losses so far came within the first five matchdays, when things on the field weren’t fully cohesive. Since then, however, they’ve found their rhythm, though their performance in the Champions League could be a bit better.
Atalanta was more of a “gray mouse” in Italian football until Gian Piero Gasperini was appointed coach. Since then, he’s led “La Dea” to the Champions League and, with last season’s Europa League victory, won the club’s first international title. What’s his secret to success?
Until 2016, Atalanta Bergamo was an average mid-table club that occasionally faced relegation and celebrated no significant successes – and Gian Piero Gasperini had a similar record until the Europa League victory. I’m not sure if there’s a specific secret to his success or if it’s just a “match made in heaven,” but his modern game elements, like dynamic transitions and high pressing, have certainly contributed to his success, as has his straightforward coaching style. His intensive use of wing-backs and constant man-marking have been defining features. Especially in his early days, these elements weren’t widespread in Italian football. Since Gasperini took over at Atalanta Bergamo, the worst season result was eighth place, they’ve finished third three times, and qualified for the Champions League multiple times. I think the biggest key to success is that the club has stuck with him and his playing style while providing the right players. Bergamo benefits from top-notch scouting and one of the best youth academies in the country, so Gasperini always has players who fit his style, which has remained consistent over the years. He’s also skilled at convincing players to commit long-term, which provides stability in the squad.
Atalanta is now a regular in the Champions League under Gasperini. What’s the team’s outlook in international competition? Do they want to go as far as possible, or are they just happy to participate?
“Happy to participate” may have been the mindset a few years ago, but by now they definitely want to go far and make an impact – after all, it’s no accident they keep qualifying for international play. The transfers also show that the club is willing to spend money for success – this season, Atalanta has invested more than ever before, and I think the Europa League victory has made them hungry for more.
With Mateo Retegui, the current top scorer in Serie A plays for your team. What makes him so dangerous?
Looking only at the stats, you can already see that Mateo Retegui is a strong scorer, but that’s not all – he has incredible game intelligence and, most importantly for Gasperini, is a fantastic team player with an intense passion for the game. Of course, he’s the focal point, but he also benefits from having a strong team behind him. In the penalty area, he’s a weapon and difficult to stop – he currently leads the scoring chart, ahead of Inter’s Thuram and teammate Lookman. Retegui has a great eye for goal, is strong in the air, ambidextrous, and physically robust. His positioning is also impressive. If you give him an opening in defense, he’ll usually exploit it.
El Bilal Touré was loaned from you to us this summer. How do you assess his development so far? Is he part of Atalanta’s long-term plans, or does his future lie elsewhere?
I think a return to Bergamo is unlikely, to put it bluntly, because they’re not dependent on him. Besides, he faces strong competition in his position, and if I had to make a guess, I’d say they’re more likely to focus on Scamacca when he’s fit again. There are also rumors that Gasperini wasn’t entirely convinced or enthusiastic about him, so unfortunately, I don’t see a future for Touré in Bergamo. I do hope he finds a club where he receives time and recognition – perhaps even in Stuttgart.
How would you describe your team’s playing style? What are Atalanta’s strengths and weaknesses?
Atalanta Bergamo’s strong offense is well-known, though they haven’t shown it as much in the Champions League so far. At the moment, Atalanta is more impressive for their defensive strength – they haven’t conceded a goal in the Champions League. The offense is flexible; almost every player poses a certain threat, and the solid backline, consisting of Kolasinac, Hien, and Djimsiti, has performed well so far. However, things aren’t running smoothly in all areas, and a weakness became apparent against Celtic Glasgow: a flood of unsuccessful crosses. Finishing could be improved, especially since I suspect VfB won’t allow too many chances. There’s room for improvement in precision and determination, though that’s “complaining on a high level.” One thing is for sure: it’s always uncomfortable to play against Atalanta Bergamo. To quote Pep Guardiola, “Playing against Atalanta is like going to the dentist.”
Stuttgart surprised by winning away in Turin in the last Champions League match. What do the Swabians need to do to beat Atalanta?
Phew, this might sound silly, but Stuttgart needs to hold strong at the back, allow few chances, and take advantage of their own opportunities. That’s easier said than done, but if your defense has a good day and manages to take players like Lookman, de Ketelaere, and Retegui out of the game, it’ll be tough for Atalanta.
Your prediction and gut feeling for the game?
Of course, I hope for an Atalanta Bergamo victory, but I fear it might not happen. The Bergamaschi are brimming with confidence, but Stuttgart is eager to compete internationally. My prediction is a 2–2 draw of the high-quality variety, though that doesn’t really help either team.
Thank you!
Note: This interview was translated from German via ChatGPT
Picture: © Francesco Scaccianoce/Getty Images