Gian Piero Gasperini faced the press with confidence ahead of his team’s match. “Difficulties? There are none. We want to play a great game,” he stated, despite several key absences including Scamacca, Zaniolo, and Koopmeiners. Addressing the situation regarding Koopmeiners, he expressed disappointment: “It’s a shame for Scalvini and Scamacca, but Teun is the real victim here. He has been affected by transfer market issues, and it saddens me because everything was done to hinder Atalanta. I don’t know what will happen, but he is a healthy and recoverable player.”
The Atalanta coach appeared calm and composed in the press room of the National Stadium in Warsaw, marking a significant moment for Italian football as it had been 14 years since an Italian team played in a UEFA Super Cup final—most recently, Inter in 2010. Their opponents, Real Madrid, have not lost a European final since 1983, the last team to defeat them being Alex Ferguson’s Aberdeen in the Cup Winners’ Cup. For Gasperini, this match is about prestige. “We are playing against the most successful team in the world; we must put on a great performance.”
The meeting between Gasperini and Carlo Ancelotti has historical significance, as they have known each other since their time at Juventus. “He is a reference point for everyone. We took our coaching course together at Coverciano. I have great respect for him, and I am also friends with his trainer, Antonio Pintus, with whom I have worked.” While Ancelotti has experience in big matches, Gasperini views this as a significant achievement for himself.
Gasperini hinted that new signing Retegui could start: “He is ready to play from the beginning, just like the others. Lookman, for instance, is one of our fittest players. On paper, the match will be closer than against Bayer Leverkusen, but our motivation is high.” He also aimed to lighten the mood about the absences, stating, “I can’t afford to make mistakes with the lineup this time, but we have played well even with limited options in the past. I always ask my players to put on a good show.”
Both Marten De Roon and Ademola Lookman spoke to the media following Gasperini. De Roon, who missed the Europa League final against Bayer, highlighted the challenge of facing Real Madrid again after three and a half years. “We remember the last few hundred meters of the route; there were hundreds of fans. I’m not saying we have a score to settle with destiny, but we’re proud to play this final against the best team in the world. We have to believe; otherwise, it doesn’t make sense. Real is favored, but if we give our all, we can defeat anyone.”
Lookman was a bit more reserved, emphasizing the team’s opportunity to win the Super Cup. “Hard work and perseverance have paid off. As for taking penalties without Koopmeiners, that depends on the coach. I know there will be six thousand fans cheering us on, and we will do everything to bring them a dream. Real Madrid is a top club, and they have strong players.” Finally, he praised Retegui, saying, “He is technical, motivated, and knows how to move in the box. I’m really happy he has joined us.”