Atalanta manager Gian Piero Gasperini held his pre-match press conference today ahead of his side’s away trip to Rome against Lazio this weekend. The former Genoa boss was asked about the interest this past summer from the Giallorossi, here was his response:
A match against Lazio: it could have been a Derby for you.Â
Something could have happened with Roma had a great love with Atalanta not developed. I liked the people at Roma a lot. I have great respect for them and I’m sure they’ll do well guiding the club. I spoke to them, but I was linked very happily to my club and the city of Bergamo. Because of this, talks didn’t progress.
Surely you’ve staggered a bit when approached by a big club like Roma.
No, never – the talks stopped right when they started. There was interest on their part, but for me, the conditions to leave Atalanta weren’t there. I’m at home in Bergamo.