Gasperini's Atalanta Face Lazio Test

Atalanta's winning streak is on the line as they face Lazio, while Napoli and Inter Milan look to capitalize on any slip-up.

Atalanta's impressive winning streak in Serie A is on the verge of being disrupted as they face off against Lazio this weekend. With Napoli and Inter Milan hot on their heels, Gian Piero Gasperini's team can't afford to slip up.

Atalanta's remarkable run has seen them achieve a club record 11 consecutive league victories, catapulting them to the top of the table. This impressive feat has been a significant turnaround for the team, considering their unlikely position earlier in the season.

Atalanta's season got off to a dismal start, with three defeats in their first five games, including a humiliating 4-0 loss to Inter. However, a remarkable turnaround has seen the team string together an impressive run of victories, leaving their fans optimistic about the possibility of securing their first-ever league title.

Gasperini's leadership played a pivotal role in Atalanta's triumph in the Europa League last season, where they defeated Bayer Leverkusen, ending their 51-match unbeaten streak. This victory marked the Bergamo club's second major trophy in their 117-year history and Gasperini's first-ever trophy win, a testament to his dedication and hard work since joining the club in 2016.

Under Gasperini's guidance, Atalanta has undergone a significant transformation, evolving from a team that frequently bounced between the top two tiers to a side consistently competing in European football. Despite his success, Gasperini's tenure could have easily been cut short, highlighting the unpredictable nature of football management.

Gian Piero Gasperini's inaugural season at Atalanta got off to a rocky start, with the team losing four of their first five matches. However, the club's faith in him paid off, as they ultimately finished fourth, achieving their highest-ever finish in the top flight at that time.

Atalanta's success can be attributed to a combination of factors, rather than relying on heavy spending. The club's exceptional youth academy and scouting program have been instrumental in identifying and developing talent. Gasperini's aggressive, attacking playing style has also been key, as has his ability to bring out the best in his players. Additionally, the club has adopted a shrewd transfer strategy, selling players for significant fees while recruiting new talent at a fraction of the cost, often from players who have struggled to make an impact elsewhere.

One notable example of this approach is Gianluca Scamacca, who failed to make a lasting impression during his one-season stint at West Ham United. However, after joining Atalanta, he rediscovered his form, scoring an impressive 12 league goals and six in the Europa League last season. This ability to revitalize players' careers has been a hallmark of Atalanta's success under Gasperini.

Following the striker's devastating anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury during pre-season, Atalanta swiftly responded by acquiring Mateo Retegui from Genoa. Retegui had already showcased his goal-scoring prowess with seven league goals in the previous season. This campaign, he has taken his game to new heights, netting an impressive 12 goals to top the Serie A scoring charts.

Atalanta's ability to revive the careers of struggling players is exemplified by Charles De Ketelaere. After a disappointing debut season at AC Milan, where he failed to find the back of the net, Atalanta took him on loan. De Ketelaere rediscovered his form, scoring 10 league goals, which ultimately led to a permanent move to the club.

Another notable success story is Ademola Lookman, who had previously failed to make a significant impact at Everton and RB Leipzig. However, since joining Atalanta, Lookman has experienced a remarkable resurgence, earning the prestigious title of African Footballer of the Year. His impressive form was capped off with a stunning hat-trick in the Europa League final.

Lazio has been inconsistent in recent matches, defeating Napoli twice this month to knock them out of the Coppa Italia and briefly claim the top spot. However, their momentum was halted by a crushing 6-0 loss to Inter at home. Despite this setback, a win on Saturday would bring Lazio within three points of league leaders Atalanta.

Napoli and defending champions Inter, who are currently second and third in the standings, respectively, face relatively easier opponents in their upcoming matches. Inter, trailing Atalanta by three points with a game in hand, will visit Cagliari on Saturday. Meanwhile, Napoli, two points behind the leaders, will host Venezia on Sunday.

Juventus remains the only unbeaten team in Serie A; however, their 10 draws have left them in sixth place, nine points behind Atalanta. They will host fifth-placed Fiorentina on Sunday. AC Milan, struggling in eighth place, will welcome AS Roma on Sunday, looking to revive their campaign.