Gasperini: I nearly joined Napoli, Europa League win changed all | OneFootball

The current Roma coach, Gian Piero Gasperini, revealed a surprising behind-the-scenes story about his recent past to Corriere dello Sport: before arriving in the capital, he was just a step away from becoming the new Napoli manager.

Gasperini reveals: “I was about to go to Napoli, but the Europa League victory changed everything”

A destiny changed at the last moment, thanks to Atalanta’s triumph in the Europa League.

“The Europa League victory was the obstacle”

Gasperini recounted:

“Yes, the Europa League victory changed things. It was the obstacle. I was convinced that we could go even further with Atalanta, because we had a strong team, resources to aim even higher. Yet, the last year was the most troubled in terms of relationships, but still just as beautiful in terms of results.”

A historic success that, according to the coach, completely changed his professional plans, interrupting the negotiations that were already well underway with the Azzurri club.

“Rome is the most passionate place in Italy”

Gasperini then explained the reasons that led him to choose Roma, highlighting the emotional strength of the Giallorossi fanbase:

“The fact is that in Rome there is an incredible passion. I believe that right now, in Italy, Rome is, together with Napoli, the most passionate and exciting place. And maybe Rome even more than Napoli, because Napoli has won. Where there is more hunger for football, more desire to achieve results, where there is such a deep, visceral love for one’s team, the motivation is extremely high.”

For the coach, the Giallorossi environment represents the ideal challenge: a city that lives and breathes football and demands results, but also knows how to transmit a unique energy.

The return of the stadiums and the rebirth of passion

In the interview, Gasperini also highlighted a broader aspect related to the Italian football movement:

“It’s a great moment for Italian stadiums, which have filled up again. You can feel the enthusiasm, and this makes every match more intense and meaningful.”

A sign of vitality for a football scene that, after difficult years, seems to be regaining warmth and participation.

An intertwining of destinies

The behind-the-scenes story of the almost-move to Napoli also reopens reflections on how a single result can change the course of a coach’s career. Atalanta’s victory in the Europa League — the first in the club’s history — kept Gasperini in Bergamo for a few more months, postponing a future that could have been tinged with blue.

This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇮🇹 here.