epa11790406 Atalanta’s Charles De Ketelaere celebrates with teammates after scoring the 3-2 goal during the Italian Serie A soccer match Atalanta BC vs Empoli FC, in Bergamo, Italy, 22 December 2024. EPA-EFE/MICHELE MARAVIGLIA
Atalanta CEO Luca Percassi explains the surprising changes to the starting XI for the Supercoppa Italiana against Inter. ‘We wanted to create a squad that was as competitive as possible.’
It kicks off at the Al-Awwal Park Stadium in Riyadh at 19.00 GMT.
The Final Four format is confirmed, meaning this is a semi-final ahead of tomorrow’s Juventus-Milan, with the winners facing off for the trophy on Monday evening.
If they are level after 90 minutes, they go directly to a penalty shoot-out, so there will be no extra time.
Atalanta transformed for Supercoppa clash
Luca Percassi Vice Chairman of Atalanta (Photo by Jonathan Moscrop/Getty Images)
Gian Piero Gasperini has surprised everyone by revamping the line-up, including Giorgio Scalvini in a more advanced midfield role, with Nicolò Zaniolo the False 9 supported by Marco Brescianini and Lazar Samardzic.
“The coach decided to give some space to different lads from the usual line-up, but they have all done well every time they’ve been called into action,” Atalanta CEO Percassi told Sport Mediaset.
“This is a match we really care about. We’re well aware that we are up against the best team in Italy, but we want to put in a strong performance, even if it’s going to be tough.”
Atalanta won the Europa League last season, but they are in the Supercoppa thanks to their status as runners-up in the Coppa Italia, having lost the Final to Juventus.
They are currently top of the Serie A table, even if Inter have a game in hand.
“One of the objectives this summer was to give the coach a squad that was as competitive as possible,” concluded Percassi.
“The journey we have made so far is very good, but we also know our dimension and must fight in every game to give our best.”
Atalanta’s stunning victory against Inter in the Super Coppa 2025 has left football fans and pundits alike scratching their heads. How did this underdog team manage to topple the reigning champions in such a convincing manner? Atalanta’s manager, Gian Piero Percassi, sheds some light on the surprising revolution that led his team to glory.
In a post-match interview, Percassi attributed Atalanta’s success to a combination of tactical prowess, team unity, and sheer determination. He explained that the team had been working tirelessly behind the scenes to develop a game plan that would exploit Inter’s weaknesses and capitalize on their own strengths.
Percassi also highlighted the importance of team spirit and camaraderie in Atalanta’s triumph. He emphasized the bond that has been forged among the players, coaching staff, and supporters, which has created a sense of unity and purpose that propelled the team to victory.
But perhaps most importantly, Percassi credited his players’ unwavering belief in themselves and their ability to overcome the odds. He praised their resilience and mental toughness, which allowed them to stay focused and composed in the face of adversity.
Atalanta’s victory against Inter may have come as a surprise to many, but for Percassi and his team, it was the result of months of hard work, dedication, and a never-say-die attitude. As they bask in the glory of their Super Coppa triumph, Atalanta’s surprising revolution serves as a reminder that in football, anything is possible with the right mix of talent, strategy, and heart.
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