Gian Piero Gasperini has officially announced his departure from Atalanta, concluding a remarkable nine-year tenure that elevated the club to unprecedented heights in Italian and European football. The 67-year-old manager, whose contract expires in June 2025, had previously indicated in February that he would not seek an extension.
In an emotional message to fans published by l’Eco di Bergamo, Gasperini expressed his gratitude for the journey shared with the club:
“It wasn’t possible to express this before; only in the last few hours have I really decided to put an end to this wonderful nine-year-long story. But let’s not say goodbye; I don’t like that.”
Under Gasperini’s leadership since 2016, Atalanta transformed from a mid-table Serie A team into a formidable force, consistently qualifying for European competitions. The pinnacle of his tenure came in 2024 when Atalanta secured their first major European trophy by winning the UEFA Europa League with a commanding 3-0 victory over Bayer Leverkusen.
Throughout his time in Bergamo, Gasperini was lauded for his innovative tactics and ability to maximize the potential of his squad. His teams were known for their attacking prowess, with Atalanta scoring 641 league goals under his guidance, second only to Inter Milan during that period.
However, the final season was not without its challenges. A notable incident involved a public disagreement with Nigerian forward Ademola Lookman following a missed penalty in a Champions League match against Club Brugge. Gasperini’s critical remarks led to backlash from fans and highlighted underlying tensions within the squad.
Speculation about Gasperini’s next move is rife, with reports suggesting he is poised to take over as head coach of AS Roma following Claudio Ranieri’s retirement. Gasperini has previously expressed admiration for Roma, stating, “Who wouldn’t want to coach Roma? It’s a magnificent city, a bit unusual, and the club has fantastic fans”.
As Atalanta looks to the future, the club is reportedly considering several candidates to succeed Gasperini. Former Chelsea and Napoli manager Maurizio Sarri is among the frontrunners, known for his possession-based style that could align with Atalanta’s attacking philosophy. Other potential successors include Raffaele Palladino, Roberto De Zerbi, and Ivan Juric, each bringing their unique tactical approaches and experiences. Gian Piero
Gasperini’s departure marks the end of a transformative era for Atalanta. His tenure not only brought silverware but also redefined the club’s identity on the domestic and European stages. As the team prepares for a new chapter, fans and players alike will reflect on a period characterized by ambition, innovation, and unprecedented success.
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