(PRIMASPORT) TRENTO – Atalanta's philosophy and philosophy continue to take center stage at the Trento Sports Festival. This timely focus is due to the Nerazzurri club from Bergamo being an extraordinary footballing institution, one that consistently places planning at the heart of its sporting and organizational journey, with the added value of a youth system unmatched in Italy and among the best in Europe. With this in mind, Sporting Director Cristiano Giuntoli, Atalanta's sporting director since last May, and defender Davide Zappacosta, a wealth of quality and experience for the new coaching journey undertaken under Maurizio Sarri, took to the stage in Trentino. It was Giuntoli himself, as we know, who proposed the coach to the Atalanta owners with a view to building a new sporting path. The new season began with five new signings, six if we include Ederson's continued presence (who, in the meantime, was treated to a public outing along with Gaetano at the Atalanta Store). As for Davide Zappacosta, who returned to Bergamo in 2021, where he made 154 appearances for Atalanta, scoring 14 goals, he shared the experience with Sarri at Chelsea in the year of their Europa League success.
Giuntoli and Zappacosta spoke with Andrea Elefante, a journalist for La Gazzetta dello Sport, highlighting the unique aspects of Atalanta, along with the spirit and values that define the Bergamo club, which is about to celebrate its 119th anniversary (October 17). More than secrets, it's a model. "The Percassi model," Giuntoli said, "is an example of thorough and intense work, from morning to night, with a constant focus and dialogue between management and players. All of this is coordinated by the young president's profound footballing knowledge, who has now become an extraordinary manager in Italian football." Attention shifted to the squad. Among the new arrivals, Giuntoli mentioned Gianluca Gaetano, a midfield playmaker, wanted because he was considered useful for Sarri's game. "And I believe he will also be a key figure in the national team in the future," the Atalanta director added. Then a roundup of highlights included the superfast signing of Eljif Elmas, the prospective signing of Dane Thomas Kristensen, who is adjusting to a four-man defense, the surprising return of Franck Kessié, and the arrival of Jonathan Rowe, Atalanta's most expensive player ever. "But the real gamble was the confirmation of Ederson, who was on the verge of joining Manchester United and then re-signed with Atalanta." Zappacosta focused on Sarri's change of play. "We're working to absorb the new coach's ideas. Before, we followed the player, now we followed the ball." Atalanta is preparing to restart after the break. With a dozen internationals out, Zappacosta is one of eight remaining to train at the Bortolotti Sports Center with Sarri. The league needs to get back on track and start the Conference League well, with the goal of aiming for the Coppa Italia. (PRIMASPORT)