Gasperini: ‘Many key players may leave Atalanta’, Champions League qualification will be ‘difficult’ | OneFootball

Atalanta coach Gian Piero Gasperini reiterated that it will be ‘very difficult’ for La Dea to replicate the results achieved in recent seasons, admitting he has the feeling that several key players could leave the Gewiss Stadium — a scenario that might also lead him to part ways with the club.

Despite securing a third-place finish in Serie A, Atalanta ended the campaign on a sour note with a 3-2 home defeat to Parma, in what was Rafael Toloi’s final appearance for the club.

BERGAMO, ITALY – MAY 25: Gian Piero Gasperini, Head Coach of Atalanta, reacts during the Serie A match between Atalanta and Parma at Gewiss Stadium on May 25, 2025 in Bergamo, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)

While the team’s eighth league loss didn’t change the overall verdict on the season, Gasperini once again expressed doubts about their ability to qualify for the Champions League next year, suggesting that an achievement which “might seem normal” could become “complicated.”

Gasperini: ‘I’m afraid Atalanta and I may have different objectives’

“For the first time in nine years, I feel that it will be very difficult to repeat ourselves,” Gasperini told reporters after his side’s last game.

“A result that might seem normal, like qualifying for the Champions League, will be complicated. And this is something we need to discuss (with the club, editor’s note), beyond contracts.

“I’m afraid we may have different objectives. I don’t think I’m capable of reaching this level again, because I have the feeling that many key players could leave.

“It’s a shame, after nine years, to have to lower the bar for the first time — and I don’t know whether that will be accepted or not.”

BERGAMO, ITALY – MAY 25: Jacob Ondrejka of Parma Calcio celebrates scoring his team’s second goal with teammates during the Serie A match between Atalanta and Parma at Gewiss Stadium on May 25, 2025 in Bergamo, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)

Gasperini had already voiced his concerns about the club’s future, with rumours of his potential departure growing stronger in recent months.

Following their latest defeat, he also reflected on how this season has, in some ways, marked a turning point in Atalanta’s journey.

“Until last year, I was convinced we could raise the bar, competing with everyone except Inter,” he continued.

“I believe we did just that — an extraordinary Napoli finished ahead of us. With a bit less bad luck, all the conditions were there to try and stay close. Especially considering that the league ends with a relatively low points total.

“I was strongly convinced we could do it, but the lads gave everything: 74 points is a lot for this team, in such a demanding league, finishing ahead of many big clubs with several games to spare.”