Years ago he achieved extraordinary results in Genoa, but since his arrival in Bergamo he has discovered his personal Eden. His Atalanta side is a pure expression of football paradise.
On Friday, Ademola Lookman and his teammates triumphed over AC Milan with a 2-1 win, propelling Atalanta to the top of the standings. They are now two points ahead of Napoli, who stumbled under Marco Baroni against a resurgent Lazio, another team currently in form.
The decisive goal came from Lookman, consistently one of Atalanta's standouts, who took advantage of a mistake in Milan's defense. However, it was Charles De Ketelaere, once a disappointing figure in the Milan shirt, who opened the scoring for Atalanta. In Bergamo, De Ketelaere has transformed into a game-changer, a goal-and-assist machine that has exceeded expectations.
Milan briefly found an equalizer through Alvaro Morata, but the match statistics told the real story: Atalanta registered 17 shots (eight on target) compared to Milan's six (two on target). It was a brutal attack-versus-defense scenario, with Atalanta firmly in control.
Atalanta's show of strength has become routine, as the rankings confirm. Five wins in a row, 38 goals and a team packed with talent ensure that Gasperini's team seems unstoppable. The manager's ability to adapt his formation to each opponent has made the team an unpredictable force. Although it is still December and the season is long, the thought lingers: could this finally be the year that Gasperini's Atalanta lift the Scudetto?
Such an achievement would be the crowning achievement of Atalanta's remarkable management. Over the years, they have built a lasting empire by cleverly buying players at low costs, developing them into stars and selling them for a high profit.
This virtuous cycle has fueled the team's rise, with Gasperini's brilliance taking center stage. His ability to nurture talent is second to none and has often produced players who struggle to replicate their success once they leave Bergamo. This is no coincidence, Gasperini is one of the best coaches of recent years. Atalanta's confidence in him, which entrusted him with the club's project, has been richly rewarded.
The road ahead looks favorable for Marten De Roon and his teammates, with upcoming matches against Cagliari and Empoli. On paper, these games should be manageable for a team brimming with confidence. In the past, such promising runs have sometimes been derailed by unexpected defeats or lackluster performances. But this season feels different.
Atalanta has matured and mastered the art of managing matches and getting results when necessary. They consistently outshine their rivals, beat direct competitors and win matches, even when they are not at their sparkling best. Playing under Gasperini seems to revitalize players or take them to new heights, a testament to his magic.
With such a talented squad and a visionary leader, Atalanta fans have every reason to dream. This could very well be the year where nothing seems impossible.
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