‘Atalanta example of good management, Gasperini pride of Italy’ | OneFootball

At the premiere of a new documentary on their Europa League triumph, Lega Serie A President Ezio Simonelli praised Atalanta. ‘They are the example of good management and Gian Piero Gasperini the pride of Italian football.’

The club from Bergamo had spent most of its existence yo-yoing between Serie A and B, with their ambitions rarely stretching beyond mid-table comfort.

However, since Gasperini took over in the summer of 2016, they qualified for the Champions League, reached the Coppa Italia Final, challenged for the Scudetto and last year won their first UEFA tournament.

A new documentary, ‘Una vita da Dea’, about that amazing achievement received its premiere this evening and Lega Serie A President Simonelli was present.

“Atalanta are truly an example of good management,” said Simonelli.

“They went from being a small club, in a not particularly populous city, to becoming one of the elite clubs in Italian and European football. Last season’s Europa League victory only confirmed their status as a successful model.

“The Percassi family and the directorial team managed to combine an impeccable economic approach with top level sporting results. Their success proves it is possible to balance the books and achieve ambitious targets too.”

Gasperini among keys to Atalanta success

BERGAMO, ITALY – MARCH 01: Gian Piero Gasperini, Head Coach of Atalanta, acknowledges the fans after the Serie A match between Atalanta and Venezia at Gewiss Stadium on March 01, 2025 in Bergamo, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)

A lot of that was down to coach Gasperini, whose eight-year tenure is practically unheard of in the world of Calcio.

“His value was recognised domestically with the Bearzot Award and second place in the Golden Bench recently, but the results achieved on the international stage make him without doubt one of the top European coaches, and the pride of Italian football.”

During this period, Atalanta also financed the refurbishment of their stadium, making the Gewiss Stadium one of the most modern and impressive arenas in Italy.

“I was able to visit for Atalanta-Inter recently and it was a pleasant surprise how beautiful and welcoming it is,” added Simonelli.

“I had seen it during the work, but seeing it completed this is a stadium at the vanguard, with great services and perfect visibility of the pitch from every angle. Again, this makes them an example to be followed.

“The Lega Serie A would love to soon talk about other stadiums similar to the Atalanta project, and fortunately politicians are also starting to show more willingness to ease these plans.”

Even before their success, Atalanta had long been one of the best youth academies in Italy, churning out talents repeatedly.

“That showed a long-term vision for Atalanta, who always focused on youth, so this too must be motivation for other clubs. I think we can revitalise Italian football with more investment and belief in academies, as I would hate to wait another 20 years for a World Cup triumph.”