Gian Piero Gasperini received the fifth annual "Cuore di Leone-Gian Luigi Corti" award at Genoa's Porto Antico. The Giallorossi coach commented on Inter's victory over Como: "We know Inter are a great team, but so are Como, in a championship that's proving to be truly balanced ." These were his comments, reported by La Gazzetta dello Sport.
The general from Grugliasco commented on his happy time with Roma: "My story with Roma is still young, having begun a year and a half ago, but it's as wonderful as the previous ones. We hope to continue on this path."
The Rome-based coach on Lazio's start to the season: "It's certainly a surprise, but it also represents a positive outcome and recognition for the city. Rome is also extraordinary in terms of enthusiasm for football. Roma always has a full stadium, while Lazio may have other problems."
Regarding the successes and solidity of his squad, Gasperini gave an initial assessment of this season : "We've been competitive for a few months now. Roma has improved a lot, but we started well last year too. Eleven games isn't a lot, but it's still significant given how the team has performed. The atmosphere is giving us great fuel to do well."
Gasperini: "Farewell to Atalanta? I was a bitter enemy in Rome, but it was a great challenge."
Gian Piero Gasperini on his experiences at Genoa and Atalanta, emphasizing the importance of young players: "The fact that those years are still so vividly remembered today, despite so much time having passed, means we truly did something great for the fans of Genoa and the city. Atalanta? That club had many good young players, and I've always believed that young players should be given opportunities. In Bergamo, they weren't valued: with them, I found the turning point."
The Roma coach was moved by the images of the Europa League victory over Atalanta: “It's difficult to always define a priori what the components of that success are, but even defeats help”.
The Giallorossi coach concluded with what motivated him to accept the move to the capital: "When my time with Atalanta ended, I went to a club I was a bitter enemy of. It wasn't exactly a respected opponent, but it was also a great challenge. I was convinced that Roma was the club with the greatest football enthusiasm. It was a great challenge, and challenge and courage go well together."
