Gasperini: ‘Atalanta controlled Napoli, Scamacca crucial for Italy’ | OneFootball

Gian Piero Gasperini feels Atalanta were ‘always in control’ during their 3-0 win away to Napoli and hopes Gianluca Scamacca can ‘become crucial for Italy too.’

La Dea had badly needed this result, coming off just two points from the previous six Serie A rounds, while their last match with Fiorentina was called off following director Joe Barone’s heart attack.

Although the woodwork and goalkeeper Marco Carnesecchi proved decisive, they still came out 3-0 winners at the Stadio Diego Armando Maradona thanks to goals from Aleksei Miranchuk, Scamacca and substitute Teun Koopmeiners.

“You can only be pleased when winning 3-0 away to Napoli, but also for the way we achieved this victory, creating numerous chances, keeping the game in hand and although Osimhen threatened, we were always in control,” Gasperini told DAZN.

“We have achieved a good level of efficiency now, so even if some players are missing, the others will always be ready to fill in. Squad rotation is absolutely essential considering the number of fixtures we have and I am glad to always have a competitive side.

“It is not easy to create this kind of chemistry in the locker room, but everyone feels involved. Hans Hateboer had not played for a while, Rafael Toloi and Jose Luis Palomino are historic figures who give their contribution whether they play or not.”

This win means that Atalanta are only one point behind Roma in fifth and four behind Bologna, all having played 29 games.

Scamacca was left out of the Italy squad for the friendly games against Ecuador and Venezuela due to poor form.

“The coach makes his decisions, but I saw Scamacca growing throughout the season. He had a few issues and injuries, but if people were expecting him to score 30 goals this term, then that’s exaggerated. He has reached double figures, he is an important player for Atalanta, we are satisfied and I hope he can become crucial for Italy too.”

Atalanta are still in the fight for a top four finish in Serie A, are in the Coppa Italia semi-final and the Europa League quarter-final against Liverpool.

“Undoubtedly, the trophy that is closest to Atalanta’s level is the Coppa Italia. We reached the Final twice in recent years and those did not go our way, but no Italian team has won the Europa League for 20 years.

“The environment in Bergamo helps me, because the city is not as demanding as some others. We have not felt sated or rested on our laurels.

“It’s true that in Italy coaches don’t tend to last long, but then the teams have really transformed in my time here. Koopmeiners, Ederson and others feel like they’ve been here for a long time, but they haven’t really, and then we add the fresh new faces like Scamacca, Carnesecchi and others.”

Giorgio Scalvini limped off during the second half when clutching the back of his thigh.

“He felt a twinge to the flexors in that goal-saving tackle, we’ll see what the tests say. Zappacosta is much less serious.”