Gasperini: ‘Atalanta still play like kids with freedom’ | OneFootball

Gian Piero Gasperini explains why a new youth centre is ‘worth more than a trophy’ and why Atalanta ‘still play like kids’ in the Scudetto race or Champions League.

The veteran coach was at the opening ceremony for the new Giuseppe Gasperini and Antonietta Vit training camp in Gugliasco, the small town where he was born and raised.

He paid for its creation and it is dedicated to his parents, so will now help young players in the area to learn about football on a professional pitch.

Gasperini relishes Atalanta freedom

Atalanta’s Mateo Retegui celebrates scoring the 2-0 goal during the Italian Serie A soccer match between Atalanta BC and Hellas Verona, in Bergamo, Italy, 26 October 2024. EPA-EFE/MICHELE MARAVIGLIA

“It is an extraordinary day and this is worth more than a trophy for me,” Gasperini told Sky Sport Italia.

“I am so happy, it is a place where these kids can get together and always come here to play. My parents used to spend a lot of time in the gardens to sit on the benches, they wanted to hear all about my results in the sport. That energy will still be felt for these kids and help them to grow.

“Football has changed so much now, it is hyper-organised and parents want to be involved in all the training sessions, but I wanted this camp to be free, where they can come here and simply enjoy themselves.”

It has been said that Gasperini’s style of football gets the best out of his players because they enjoy it so much and he does not disagree, even when they are one point off the top of the Serie A table and competing in the Champions League.

“We don’t have too many thoughts rattling around our minds. We do play a bit like kids, with a sense of freedom. I don’t know what the future holds, but we are very satisfied with what we are doing and try to keep going as long as possible,” said the coach.

Gasperini took Atalanta from being regulars in the relegation tussle to Champions League contenders and even won the club’s first ever UEFA trophy, lifting the Europa League last season.

“Football has certain rules, you learn to win, but above all how to lose, how to respect your opponents. Sport, and in particular football, teaches you lessons that you carry for the rest of your life, in all areas of that life.”