Gian Piero Gasperini’s mind was still buzzing with thoughts just two hours after Atalanta’s Supercoppa Europea match against Real Madrid. After returning from the “wonderful stadium,” he felt restless, struggling to sleep while staring at the hotel room ceiling. The memory of the match echoed in his thoughts, particularly the phrase he repeated multiple times in the post-match reflections: “We missed a great opportunity.” This sentiment encapsulates the essence of Atalanta’s performance: a mix of regret but also recognition of their own capabilities.
Despite the defeat, it was evident that Atalanta was not outclassed. They competed with the Spanish giants for a full hour, even at times appearing the better side, creating problems for Real Madrid as acknowledged by their coach Carlo Ancelotti. The team demonstrated their attacking prowess, showcasing the lessons learned from last season’s triumph in Dublin. Gasperini knows that matches like this one generate immense motivation, which may not be replicated when they play Lecce on Monday. Yet, he is reassured that after the match in Warsaw, the threat of complacency seems to have been avoided.
Atalanta’s attacking style remains their strength, enabling them to push forward with both bravery and strategic thought. Their solid European performance bodes well for their domestic league ambitions. Throughout their preparations, the squad appeared to be improving physically, with players like Hien emerging strongly after initial shakiness, Ederson displaying tireless energy, and De Ketelaere looking more dynamic than in previous outings. The whole team seemed in good condition, managing to play until the end despite Gasperini’s limited ability to make substitutions.
However, disappointment lingered as Gasperini could see opportunities for Atalanta to have shifted the match in their favor. The coach is well aware of their shortcomings in capitalizing on key chances; Lookman had opportunities early on to potentially score, asking the question why he hesitated to shoot. Similarly, CDK was unable to fully execute his creative plays, while Retegui, still adapting to the team, missed some promising moments. These issues are familiar to Gasperini, who has had to address the team’s inefficiencies before.
The real frustration for Gasperini lies in the lack of depth in his squad. With only so many players available for substitutions, he noted that not having more than two or three experienced options during the match hindered their intensity. This situation is likely to repeat itself on Monday at Lecce, where he may only have new signing Brescianini and possibly a limited use of Zaniolo. Additionally, both Scalvini and Scamacca are still out. Gasperini hopes Zaniolo can return to form quickly to provide some much-needed depth.
As the season’s start approaches, Gasperini is anxious to complete his squad, identifying the need for at least three more players: two wide players, one of whom could also serve as a central defender, and O’Riley, a versatile midfielder who could take over from Koopmeiners. The transfer market is heating up, and Gasperini is eager to bolster his options ahead of their league debut.