Gian Piero Gasperini Celebrates Atalanta’s Successes in 2024

In a post-match address steeped in ambition and reflection, Atalanta head coach Gian Piero Gasperini hinted at potential reinforcements as the January transfer window looms on the horizon. After his side’s hard-fought 1-1 draw against Lazio on Saturday evening, Gasperini engaged with the media, keen to dissect the implications of the performance and the road ahead.

Fisayo Dele-Bashiru set the stage for Marco Baroni’s Lazio, firing them into the lead midway through the first half. Yet, proving once again why Atalanta are contenders, substitute Marco Brescianini, only minutes after stepping in for Sead Kolasinac, found the net to salvage a crucial point for the visitors.

Brescianini’s timely intervention ensured that La Dea remains perched at the summit of the Serie A standings, though the pressure mounts with Napoli set to challenge for parity against bottom-placed Venezia later today. Gasperini, however, took pride in his team’s journey through 2024, a year marked by commendable achievements.

“This 2024 has been marvelous, extraordinary, we’re a little sad it is over,” the Atalanta tactician disclosed to Sky Sport via TWM. “We closed it by coming back to grab a result when it seemed to be an off night, but the solidity of this team shows we finished it taking control.”

Despite the commendations, Gasperini was adamant that resting on past laurels is not an option.

“I didn’t say it wasn’t repeatable… Every year is different, we certainly can’t win the Europa League again this season, because we’re not in it! We have been top of the table for much of the season and have certainly laid some foundations.

“But my ambition is always to keep improving, not to take steps backward.”

Looking ahead, Gasperini confirmed that Atalanta is actively exploring opportunities to reinforce their lineup in the coming weeks. With the loss of star striker Mateo Retegui due to injury and Gianluca Scamacca missing since summer, the urgency to secure a new center forward has intensified. Notably, Federico Chiesa has emerged as a tantalizing target for the defending Europa League champions.

“The club knows full well that we had every intention in June to be very competitive this season, but we did not complete the squad in August. We’ll see what happens and are enjoying this situation,” the Atalanta gaffer concluded, leaving fans and analysts alike to ponder what the next steps may hold for this ambitious side.