Everyone on the winner’s bandwagon. Everyone praises Atalanta and Gasperini who have just won the Europa League. Just like that, of course. But the crossroads of the Atalanta epic took place in Pescara, a city dear to the 66-year-old coach from Grugliasco who played in the blue and white shirt from 1985 to 1990, playing under Giovanni Galeone and alongside Leo Junior.
It was 25 September 2016 and Gasperini had just arrived on the Nerazzurri bench, after his experience in Genoa. The start wasn’t the best. One win and five defeats in the first five games with the prospect of facing last-placed Crotone away in Pescara because the Scida stadium was undergoing renovation work. Gasperini was the great ex, now on the gridiron given the disappointing start to the season. Another negative result and the exemption would have been triggered. There was talk of Prandelli’s return or the advent of Pioli. Probably not even a draw would have saved the coach’s bench who was having difficulty managing the locker room.
Vincenzo Menna (right) with former footballer Damiano Tommasi
From football to politics: Menna is inspired by Tommasi
Gasperini, for his part, put courage and audacity on that eve, choosing an unexpected formation and giving space to several young players. Anticipating that Garibaldi spirit which later became the trademark of his Atalanta. Well, the Nerazzurri won 3-1 at Adriatico-Cornacchia. Few people in the stands that Sunday.
Since the victory against Crotone, Atalanta has gone on a series of 8 wins and a draw in 9 games, starting a ride that will take them to 4th place at the end of the championship. Atalanta will therefore also be making their return to UEFA competitions after 26 years.
From there the cycle began which saw Atalanta constantly participate in European competitions. Until the magical night in Dublin. The sliding doors of the Bergamo fairy tale took place in Pescara, because without that victory over Crotone, the coach who is so praised today would probably have left home. And the Goddess would not have impressed Europe with Gasperini’s football.
