Atalanta manager Gian Piero Gasperini on the club’s youth academy: “It’s not as strong as it was when I arrived”

Atalanta manager Gian Piero Gasperini talked about the downtrend the club’s youth sector have faced since he was appointed coach.

Gianluca Di Marzio recorded Gian Piero Gasprini’s speech during the Rakow-Atalanta post-match press conference as he praised young players like Giorgio Scalvini, Matteo Ruggeri, Giovanni Bonfanti and Tomasso Del Lungo for their performances. The Bergamo-based side’s academy still produced these competitive players despite not faring as per the standards set by the first-team manager. 

The Italian manager felt that the youth ranks were much stronger during 2016, when he joined, but fell as many players left the side for potentially bigger opportunities. Gasperini said: “There was a very strong youth sector when I arrived, at the moment it’s not so strong but Scalvini and Ruggeri still came out. There are guys who know how to stay on the pitch and have an important technical school. I’m very happy for Bonfanti but also for Del Lungo, in my opinion, he played very well. He is physically immature but has quality.”

The win last night over Rakow saw Atalanta secure top spot in Group D of the Europa League. Also, they are the only team alongside Bayer Leverkusen to finish the group stage games undefeated in the competition this season.

La Dea remain in the running for top four qualification in the Serie A and their chances could very well increase, if the Serie A is handed an extra spot in the competition from next season onwards.

Trambak Bhattacherjee | GIFN