Atalanta legend claims Scudetto ‘dream’ is not ‘unachievable’ and Conte is wrong | OneFootball

Atalanta former star Cristiano Doni admitted people in Bergamo are discussing La Dea’s chances of making a Scudetto challenge, as he believes the Europa League win last season was a boost in terms of ‘self-esteem’ and ‘awareness’.

Gian Piero Gasperini’s side stunned Serie A leaders Napoli 3-0 on Sunday, showcasing a jaw-dropping confidence to pick up their fifth consecutive league win and climb to third, just three points away from the summit.

As a Nerazzurri legend, Doni observed that Atalanta built solid foundations throughout the seasons, and they could now be ready to reap the fruits after securing their first European trophy in history in May, although he noted that both Napoli and Inter are still ahead of them.

Atalanta legend Doni: Scudetto dream ‘not unachievable’, but La Dea aren’t stronger than Napoli

“People in Bergamo are talking about it [the Scudetto], it’s something they discuss in bars,” Doni told Radio Serie A, as reported by Tuttomercatoweb.

“I think dreaming is beautiful, and there are bases that make this dream not unachievable. Winning the Europa League gave Atalanta a lot of awareness and excitement, and it increased both the self-esteem and personality of many players.

“Talking about the Scudetto now is not a heresy, but there are some readier teams.”

Doni also commented on Antonio Conte’s words, after the Italian tactician said Atalanta are ‘stronger’ than Napoli as he spoke in the wake of Partenopei’s 3-0 defeat.

epa11698614 Atalanta�s forward Ademola Lookman scores a goal during the Italian Serie A soccer match SSC Napoli vs US Atalanta at Diego Armando Maradona stadium in Naples, Italy, 03 November 2024. EPA-EFE/CIRO FUSCO

“I don’t agree [with Conte], I think everyone serves his own interests,” Doni added.

“It is something that makes me smile when you try to act as a fireman and relieve pressure. Napoli are a team that won the Scudetto just one and a half years ago, and they don’t seem much worse now.

“All the contrary, they also signed very good players. That being said, I think Inter are the strongest team, I saw them ahead. But saying that Napoli are behind Atalanta is a bit too much.”

Atalanta currently boast the best attack in Serie A, as they scored 29 goals from 11 games, with their striker Mateo Retegui finding the net 11 times to become the leading scorer of the league.