Gasperini: ‘Atalanta laid foundations, need to complete the squad’ | OneFootball

Gian Piero Gasperini hints Atalanta ‘laid the foundations’ for future success in 2024 and is looking for January reinforcements, as the late draw with Lazio keeps them top of the table.

La Dea saw their run of 11 consecutive Serie A victories come to an end, but they remain unbeaten in 13 rounds, thanks to substitute Marco Brescianini snatching a late equaliser at the Stadio Olimpico.

They had been trailing to Lazio for over an hour when Fisayo Dele-Bashiru out-sprinted Marten de Roon on a Nicolò Rovella ball over the top.

“We expected Lazio to be difficult, we’ve seen them put this kind of performance in before. The first was certainly better for them, we struggled to contain their pace, strength and quality,” Gasperini told Sky Sport Italia.

“In the second half, I think we came out very well with the right attitude. We scored the goal a little late, otherwise we had the momentum to win the game. Both teams deserve praise, because it was a good game of football.”

The result means that Atalanta are still top of the table at the end of 2024, but they are now only one point clear of Inter, who have a game in hand.

If Napoli beat Venezia on Sunday, they can also equal the Bergamo boys in first place.

Gasperini sees 2024 as only the beginning for Atalanta

ROME, ITALY – DECEMBER 28: Mattia Zaccagni of SS Lazio compete for the ball with Ederson of Atalanta during the Serie match between Lazio and Atalanta at Stadio Olimpico on December 28, 2024 in Rome, Italy. (Photo by Marco Rosi – SS Lazio/Getty Images)

“This 2024 has been marvellous, extraordinary, we’re a little sad it is over. We closed it by coming back to grab a result when it seemed to be an off night, but the solidity of this team shows we finished it taking control.”

It was put to Gasperini that 2024 is not unrepeatable for Atalanta, who won the Europa League and played in the Coppa Italia Final too.

“I didn’t say it wasn’t repeatable… Every year is different, we certainly can’t win the Europa League again this season, because we’re not in it! We have been top of the table for much of the season and have certainly laid some foundations, but my ambition is always to keep improving, not to take steps backwards.”

Despite losing Teun Koopmeiners in the summer and seeing Gianluca Scamacca ruled out for six months by a knee injury, Atalanta still have a solid squad that can compete in Serie A, the Champions League, Coppa Italia and Supercoppa Italiana.

“Juan Cuadrado has been doing well in training for a few weeks now, he’s been unlucky with injuries and then a long ban in the Coppa Italia too,” continued Gasperini.

“I’ve seen this progress for a while and if he is in good shape, he can be a big help. He had a great chance to score today too.

“We do not have that many options in attack, it is not true to compare us to some of the other teams, unless you want to count Brescianini as a striker. We have to create our forwards.”

So does that mean Gasperini wants them to sign a new striker in January?

“The club knows full well that we had every intention in June to be very competitive this season, but we did not complete the squad in August. We’ll see what happens and are enjoying this situation.”