by Giambattista Gherardi
Throughout the match, Gasperini’s shouts to relaunch the comeback were incisive but constructive: positional reminders, suggestions regarding how to spread out on the flanks or free oneself to shoot. So much adrenaline that at the microphones of Dazn it widens into a smile. The Atalanta coach explains: «Serie A matches are always difficult. It was the most difficult match to prepare for, especially due to the mental tension aspect. Salernitana proved to be a good team with good players. We didn’t hit straight away and we even went under, but we straightened it out.”
Have you put the arrow on Rome?
«We will understand next Sunday, the direct clash becomes fundamental. But first we have another match where we play a European final. We need to clear our minds every time. It will be relatively easy to prepare for the clashes with Marseille, Roma and Juventus.”
From the bedlam of the Velodrome to the half-empty Arechi. What effect does it have?
«It seemed like the Covid period, then a few fans arrived. Football is beautiful with the public.”
How to manage so many close matches?
«Basically we train those who don’t play, with the others it’s all a physical and athletic factor, it’s more a pure question of recovery. Tomorrow we can cool down at a minimum, and on Wednesday afternoon we will see some tactical situations. But we will already be on the eve of it.”
Marseille beatable opponent?
«They have an important field factor, but even away from home they can be very dangerous. I expect from us a match marked by a lot of attention and a lot of confidence. We will have to be good and above all intelligent.”
Will he bring the Bergamaschi to Dublin?
«When I arrived in Bergamo the request was “take us to Europe”. Then I had to ask to “renew passports” and we are still filming. It would be wonderful to arrive under the skies of Ireland.”
How are the injured?
«Toloi has started on the pitch again and is the one most likely to return to the pitch relatively quickly. Holm is the furthest away. For Kolasinac it takes at least a week to understand. He is a time-shortening highlander. Let’s hope so!”.
