Atalanta coach Gian Piero Gasperini believes his side’s hard-fought 3-2 triumph over Empoli on Sunday was a testament to their unyielding energy and team spirit. The dramatic clash saw Charles de Ketelaere emerge as the hero, netting a decisive late goal to secure Atalanta’s 11th consecutive Serie A victory, a streak that has firmly positioned them at the top of the table for Christmas.
Speaking to Sky Italia after the match, Gasperini reflected on the significance of the milestone in what has been a fiercely competitive campaign. “Yes, but when Inter and Napoli had 11 in a row, they created a big gap at the top of the table,” he remarked. “There are a lot of teams crammed together up there, and it makes this a very exciting campaign. Now we are top of the table for Christmas, it’s an extraordinary result. We hope 2025 can be as wonderful as 2024, but we’ve got to keep this mentality going.”
Gasperini praised his squad’s relentless drive, emphasizing that their belief in victory remains unshaken, even in challenging circumstances. “I think it all comes from our energy and team spirit. Even when it’s not our best day, we still have the belief we can win to the last minute. That mentality makes the difference; we never give in,” he said.
The match wasn’t without its difficulties. Atalanta had to claw their way back against an Empoli side determined to play bold, attacking football. Defensive lapses allowed the visitors to capitalize, with a penalty awarded by VAR adding to Atalanta’s struggles. Gasperini acknowledged these setbacks but remained firm in his praise for his players’ resilience. “The first goal we were almost distracted admiring our fans and didn’t spot the throw-in routine. I thought the penalty was extremely generous, let’s put it that way, but despite all that, we showed character and the desire to win.”
In a game that kept fans on the edge of their seats, Atalanta’s unyielding determination stood out as the defining factor. The coach underlined the importance of maintaining this fighting spirit as they look ahead to 2025, building on the momentum that has electrified their season so far.
As the team celebrates this landmark victory, Gasperini’s words resonate with a clear message: Atalanta’s success isn’t just about skill—it’s about heart, belief, and the unwavering energy that drives them forward.
