Gasperini: ‘Napoli appreciate me, but I continue with Atalanta’

Gian Piero Gasperini confirmed there was an approach from Napoli President Aurelio De Laurentiis, but he’s staying in Bergamo. ‘I am tied to Atalanta and will continue to be.’

The coach had confessed after winning the Europa League that he was tempted by the ‘challenge’ of a new experience elsewhere, but then held positive talks with Dea directors and is believed to be close to further extending his current contract beyond June 2025.

Speaking to Sky Sport Italia following the 3-0 Serie A win over Torino at the Gewiss Stadium, Gasperini was asked how long he was truly tempted by the Napoli proposal.

“I was always very concentrated on the games Atalanta needed to play in the Europa League, Coppa Italia and Serie A. It’s evident that De Laurentiis has for many years shown appreciation for me, that is very pleasing, but I think at the end of the day I was probably in his thoughts along with many other coaches.

“Napoli will make their choice, I am tied to Atalanta and will continue to be. I am sure Napoli will build a great team in future, especially as they have solid foundations.”

So does that mean he is still ‘married’ to Atalanta?

“I am faithful! I never said otherwise. I was just focused on the games we had to play. I never left room for any other type of debate.”

In truth, Gasperini had said hours after the Europa League Final that he was in the position of a man who is “married with children and meets a beautiful woman,” which prompted many jokes and references to the situation.

Gasperini enjoying Europa League triumph

Now he can focus on relishing the success built at a club with its first ever UEFA trophy.

“We realise what we’ve done, anyone living in Bergamo saw people practically flying down the street with the euphoria of the moment. Over the next week there will be more important celebrations, we certainly sense the enthusiasm and the team showed today it still wanted to play, run and get results,” continued the coach.

“Next season will be difficult, but I doubt more than the current one! After a certain point, we were playing every three days. If a few more important ones get added like the European Supercup… Atalanta-Real Madrid for the European Supercup, imagine that! Extraordinary. For a club like Atalanta without much history in Europe, this is a great record.”

How will Gasperini’s Atalanta be remembered 30 or 40 years from now?

“Let me talk about today, not in 30-40 years! I never thought about that and I don’t want to!”

He is rather highly-strung, so does he manage to relax?

“I think that I have a dual personality, one on the field and especially during games, when I am transformed, but off it I am a perfectly normal person. I do think I am two different people and those who know me well realise that.”