Percassi: ‘Unthinkable Atalanta, we hope to keep Gasperini’

Atalanta President Antonio Percassi admits reaching the Europa League Final was ‘unthinkable’ for this club and he hopes to keep Gian Piero Gasperini.

The Final will be on Wednesday May 22 in Dublin against the new Bundesliga champions, after a 3-0 win on the night over Olympique Marseille, 4-1 on aggregate.

“It was incredible for us, but for all the people of Bergamo. It was an incredible, unthinkable result, the fans went completely mad with joy,” Antonio Percassi told Sky Sport Italia.

“I will keep getting excited in the stands and cheering on the team, then we’ll sit down and plan the future.”

It is not the only reason to celebrate, as Atalanta are also in the Coppa Italia Final against Juventus on May 15 and are battling Roma for a Champions League qualifying spot.

“We always start the season saying we intend to avoid relegation. This is just unthinkable, where we are now.”

Gasperini has been the coach of Atalanta now for eight years and he has overseen several different squads, always with a very attack-minded formation.

“He has been decisive, as over all these years we’ve been growing and improving. We know each other well. At times he can be a bit particular if things don’t go the right way, but he is an extraordinary coach.”

Considering the recent reports about Napoli making an approach, are Atalanta afraid that someone will steal Gasperini away?

“We have one more year on the contract, so it’s impossible for someone to come and take him. If the coach does come to us with a suggestion, we would great sadness would consider it, but we are not thinking about modifying our agreement.”

Atalanta a family affair

His son Luca Percassi was also present in the celebrations and is the CEO of the club, so was asked about working with the coach.

“Gasperini has never specifically requested a player, we always just talked in general about the characteristics he is looking for. He never demanded anyone,” added the CEO.

The Gewiss Stadium has one end closed at the moment for restructuring work, but the whole arena has been revamped in recent years.

“The new season will start with a complete stadium, we are very proud of that. The purchase of the stadium happened on the 110^th date of the club’s foundation, which honestly was an incredible coincidence.

“That was the biggest investment in the history of Atalanta, but we are very proud, as Atalanta and the people of Bergamo deserve a stadium of this quality. Being able to see the walls of the city from the stands is truly meaningful, it is a home for the team and its fans.”