Atalanta Bergamo have reached the Europa League final for the first time. Coach Gian Piero Gasperini also explained after the 3-0 win against Marseille why his team can be seen as an “alternative draft” to the Super League
On May 22, Atalanta will play in a European final for the first time in its history – and then in the second most important competition. The run on tickets will be huge. However, UEFA is only allowing Bergamo fans 12,000 tickets for the eagerly awaited final.
“It seemed impossible – and they would have thought you were a fool if you had even dared to think about it,” president Antonio Percassi told the club’s own TV station with a broad grin after Atalanta reached the final. With the “crown jewel”, the Gewiss Stadium with a capacity of just under 15,000, behind them, Atalanta had made the impossible possible.
Percassi is facing “one of the many sleepless nights” that Atalanta have given him. Despite the important home game against Roma on Sunday (8.45pm), coach Gian Piero Gasperini said it was “only fair that we celebrate – there has never been anything like this in Atalanta’s history”.
After the 3-0 win against Marseille, Gasperini spoke of a “perfect game” that was the crowning glory of the Europa League journey for the time being. “Nobody thought we would win 3-0 at Anfield either,” said the 66-year-old.
“Football is a meritocracy “
The Italian has even more to say about Atalanta’s place in the final, as he made clear at the post-match press conference. “I think the final will be a historic event, and for a club like ours it’s really incredible. But it’s a good sign for everyone,” said Bergamo’s successful coach, who added: “In times when it seems necessary to create a European Super League, the example of Atalanta can give hope. Because soccer is a meritocracy, and that’s what makes the game so attractive.”
Pure sport is the deciding factor – and not “ancestry” or “genetic rights”. A look at the opponents in the final also fitted in with this plea: “We played Leverkusen two years ago. Maybe that’s a final pairing that the TV broadcasters don’t like, but it gives many teams hope. It means you can play good soccer without having millions of fans all over the world.”
Gasperini then thought of the “magical” evening he had just experienced. “Football is also what 14,000 people saw today in Bergamo. “
