Gasperini: ‘Atalanta could’ve beaten Celtic 6-1 too, Ballon d’Or extraordinary’ | OneFootball

Gian Piero Gasperini feels if Atalanta had scored earlier, the 6-1 thumping of Verona could’ve happened in the Champions League with Celtic too, and thanks fans for the ‘greatest compliment’ on his 400th game.

La Dea were left frustrated on Wednesday by a 0-0 draw with Celtic, but took out their anger on Hellas Verona, surging into a 5-0 lead by the 34th minute and eventually winning 6-1.

Mateo Retegui and Ademola Lookman bagged a brace each in Bergamo, with Marten de Roon and Charles De Ketelaere rounding out the scoreline.

“If we had scored one against Celtic it would’ve been better, but the performances were very similar. The team is in good shape, we had a lot of quality, precision and exchanged passes in attack,” Gasperini told Sky Sport Italia.

“There was still regret left from the Celtic match, as if we had scored one then it could’ve turned into a result like this. We can’t do anything about it now, we have to keep going.”

Gasperini enjoyed 400th Atalanta match

epa11685821 Atalanta’s coach Gian Piero Gasperini gestures during the Italian Serie A soccer match between Atalanta BC and Hellas Verona, in Bergamo, Italy, 26 October 2024. EPA-EFE/MICHELE MARAVIGLIA

They did seem to be pummelling Verona from start to finish, so why are Atalanta one of the few Italian teams who can raise that intensity level on the field?

“You do learn from the intensity of those European matches, the only difference with Celtic was that we scored early. It happens sometimes, we did it against Genoa, while we saw Borussia Dortmund fire seven goals past Celtic and then concede five in Madrid.

“Verona remain in my mind a good team, they’ve had some great performances. Their objective is to secure safety and I am confident that they will get back on track after this.”

How does Gasperini suggest Italian sides increase their intensity level in future to better compete in Europe?

“I know people say there are too many interruptions in Italy, too many whistles, too much simulation, whereas in Europe we don’t see people rolling around and the medical staff coming on. I hope that the television companies can start to highlight those incidents and maybe help clamp down on something that damages our sport.

“I also don’t think that ‘effective time’ can fix this, because then games will last two and a half, three hours and become deadly dull. It’s about tempo, intensity and keeping that up.”

The result takes Atalanta up to 16 points and third place, awaiting tomorrow’s head-to-head between Inter and Juventus at San Siro.

On Monday, Gasperini and Lookman will be in Paris for the prestigious Ballon d’Or ceremony, where both are up for awards.

“It is an extraordinary result to go to this event and it’s the first time they are handing out an award to coaches. I am a little sad that Atalanta aren’t represented for an award, but I will be there for the club along with Lookman. The Europa League was a result we all achieved together.”

It was a very special night for Gasperini, as he celebrated his 400th appearance on the Atalanta bench and was moved by a banner that appeared in the second half.

“I thank the fans for their chants, but above all a particular banner referring to not just the 400 games, but my impact on the supporters and the city. I could not have received a greater compliment and I thank them.”