Atalanta were given a hero’s welcome upon their return to the team hotel after securing their return to Champions League football with a 2-0 win away to Lecce in Serie A on Saturday evening.

Though the team returned to their accommodation in the early hours of the morning, there were hundreds of supporters waiting to welcome them back with songs, flares and fireworks going off long into the night.

It will be the first appearance in the Champions League in three years for La Dea, who were eliminated before the knock-out rounds in 2021-22, finishing third in a group containing Manchester United, Villarreal and BSC Young Boys.

In fact, it will be only the fourth time ever that Atalanta have appeared in the Champions League. All three previous outings have come under Gian Piero Gasperini between 2019 and 2021.

#Atalanta | Nonostante la pioggia battente (che a una certa ha dato anche tregua), un centinaio di tifosi hanno atteso la squadra a Zingonia con tanto di fuochi d’artificio per festeggiare il ritorno in #UCL … e caricare il gruppo verso Dublino pic.twitter.com/d04tlvoDYH

— Giorgio Dusi (@Gio_Dusi) May 19, 2024

#Atalanta | Nonostante la pioggia battente (che a una certa ha dato anche tregua), un centinaio di tifosi hanno atteso la squadra a Zingonia con tanto di fuochi d’artificio per festeggiare il ritorno in #UCL … e caricare il gruppo verso Dublino pic.twitter.com/d04tlvoDYH

— Giorgio Dusi (@Gio_Dusi) May 19, 2024

Gianluca Scamacca assures Atalanta feel ‘confident’ going into the Europa League Final with Bayer Leverkusen, especially after securing a Champions League spot.

The striker was the star of the show at the Stadio Via del Mare this evening, providing the assist for the Charles De Ketelaere opener and scoring the second himself, nodding in a corner.

That 2-0 win over Lecce guaranteed that La Dea will play in the 2024-25 edition of the Champions League, so it is a much-needed boost just days after losing the Coppa Italia Final 1-0 to Juventus.

“This was our objective since the start of the season. It might seem normal now, but it is a great achievement and we are very happy,” Scamacca told Sky Sport Italia.

“On a personal level, everything is going well and I always try to help the team.”

Scamacca ready for Bayer Leverkusen

Now they go into Wednesday’s Europa League Final against an unbeaten Bayer Leverkusen team in Dublin.

“We are feeling confident, eager to do well and lift the trophy. The pressure must not be on us. It is going to be an important match, the most important for us all.”

It could also be crucial for others too, because if Atalanta win the Europa League and finish fifth in Serie A, then it will open up a sixth qualifying spot for the Champions League.

That could be taken by either Roma or Lazio.

However, if Atalanta were to finish higher than fifth in the Serie A standings, then that extra slot would not be available.

In double quick time, Gianluca Scamacca adds Atalanta's second

The #UEL finalists mean business…

@tntsports & @discoveryplusUK pic.twitter.com/HX0Xo5ROCj

— Football on TNT Sports (@footballontnt) May 18, 2024

Gian Piero Gasperini dropped the biggest hint yet he could leave Atalanta for Napoli, despite securing a Champions League spot. ‘What matters to me is the challenge.’

La Dea needed only three points to guarantee their place in the biggest UEFA tournament for next season and they sealed it with a 2-0 victory away to Lecce this evening.

It was decided by goals from Charles De Ketelaere and Gianluca Scamacca at the dawn of the second half.

This is their return to the top table of European competition after a three-year absence.

“Qualifying for the Champions League is the maximum target for Atalanta, we can’t exactly try to challenge for the Scudetto. Maybe one day Atalanta could, as the club has a radiant future,” Gasperini told Sky Sport Italia.

He was in the stands for this game, as he sat out a touchline ban.

“As far as we are concerned, Champions League qualification is an extraordinary result and these lads are going beyond all expectations. I am truly happy with this and we need to dedicate it to everyone in Bergamo.”

Gasperini looks to the future

The team lost the Coppa Italia Final 1-0 to Juventus on Wednesday and next week will face Bayer Leverkusen in the Europa League Final in Dublin.

“Undoubtedly, having the reassurance of this qualification will certainly be extra motivation for the players. We had an incredibly hard season with 53 games so far this term, it feels like 30 in the last two months alone,” continued Gasperini.

“It was a strain, we lost a few, but we won so many big games including the Coppa Italia at San Siro, against Fiorentina, in Europe with Liverpool and Marseille. The last five Serie A wins in a row gave us a push over the line, so we played many of these knockout ties lately.

“We lost the Coppa Italia Final the other day against Juventus and it was the first time I saw a lack of pace and adrenaline in the squad. We were starting to feel the fatigue.

“It was warm tonight and I rested many players. We need the best Atalanta in Dublin, in physical, emotional and technical terms.

“I am so sad for the absence of Marten De Roon, but he will certainly sit on the bench with me and help. It’s a terrible time to get an injury, but we will arrive in Dublin with a clear conscience and the desire to get an extraordinary result for Italy as well as for Atalanta.”

Bayer Leverkusen finished the Bundesliga unbeaten today and are on track to complete a perfect Treble without losing a single match, but Atalanta are in their way.

“I think about that, I also think every run has to end sometime… They dominated the Bundesliga, are like a tank, but we are not afraid of them and will go there to play with courage. In good shape, Atalanta can trouble Bayer Leverkusen too.”

Gasperini was asked about his future after the many links with building a whole new era at Napoli and for the first time he seemed to hint he was truly considering leaving Atalanta after eight years.

The coach was pushed on what will make the difference in his decision.

“We are playing Wednesday, then after that we’ll see. What the difference means to me is the challenge and whether it is credible in the choices and evaluations, that is the most important thing.

“Securing the Champions League place has an enormous value for me, as we work so hard to get into this competition, but the challenge is the most important thing. That is what my career is built on.

“Taking on Bayer Leverkusen is a challenge and then we’ll see what happens,” concluded Gasperini.

It is now confirmed that Atalanta, Bologna, Juventus, Milan and Inter qualify for the 2024-25 Champions League, but it is still possible Serie A could get a sixth slot.

La Dea got the three points they needed this evening with a 2-0 victory away to Lecce at the Stadio Via del Mare, which guaranteed their place in the top five.

It is a return to the Champions League after a three-year absence for the Bergamo boys, who are gearing up for Wednesday’s Europa League Final against Bayer Leverkusen.

That means Atalanta cannot be caught by Roma and Lazio, so the confirmed Italian entries for the Champions League are Inter, Milan, Juventus, Bologna and Atalanta.

Serie A still in with chance of six slots

However, it is still possible for Italy to have a sixth place in the new, expanded tournament, but only if certain conditions are met.

They need Atalanta to win the Europa League Final on May 22, but also to finish in fifth place.

If Atalanta manage to overtake Bologna or Juventus into fourth, then victory in the Europa League will become irrelevant.

This is because the ‘extra’ slot rules were drawn up before the season began and go to a team who finish outside the top four in Serie A.

As it happens, Serie A already managed to get a fifth bonus slot thanks to their superior club ranking, so does not ‘count’ for calculating the Europa League victor’s qualification.

https://twitter.com/footballontnt/status/1791890353051598964

Charles De Ketelaere and Gianluca Scamacca proved enough to give Atalanta victory away to Lecce and guarantee Champions League qualification after a three-year absence.

La Dea lost the Coppa Italia Final to Juventus on Wednesday, but were trying to secure fifth place in Serie A and gearing up for the Europa League Final against Bayer Leverkusen on May 22. Teun Koopmeiners was suspended, with Marten de Roon, Sead Kolasinac and Emil Holm injured. The Salentini had already guaranteed top flight safety and felt ready to celebrate, though Nicola Sansone, Lameck Banda, Mohamed Kaba and Kastriot Dermaku were unavailable.

See how it unfolded on the Liveblog.

Aleksei Miranchuk tested Wladimiro Falcone in the opening minutes, then the goalkeeper made an extraordinary save from point-blank range on the Mario Pasalic dinked finish when sent through by El Bilal Toure.

Lecce responded with Juan Musso forced into a save on Roberto Piccoli at the near post, but Gianluca Scamacca stung Falcone’s gloves from the edge of the box too.

The chances kept coming at both ends and Valentin Gendrey went off injured, Patrick Dorgu hitting a fresh-air shot on the Lorenzo Venuti cross.

Davide Zappacosta had a double opportunity, the first blocked by Venuti, the rebound blasted inches wide of the far top corner.

Dorgu had the ball in the net on the stroke of half-time, but was narrowly caught in an offside position on the pass over the top.

Lecce wasted a huge opportunity straight after the restart when Krstovic ballooned over from 14 yards on the Piccoli roll across and it proved doubly disastrous for them, as Atalanta scored moments later.

It was practically the first touch for substitute De Ketelaere, who gathered the Scamacca through ball to hold off Gallo and put a smart lob over the on-rushing Falcone.

Charles De Ketelaere scores just two minutes after coming off the bench for Atalanta

@tntsports & @discoveryplusUK pic.twitter.com/jyHKEPXjxw

— Football on TNT Sports (@footballontnt) May 18, 2024

Atalanta doubled their lead in chaotic fashion, as Scamacca got a glancing header on the corner and it perhaps took a deflection off Pongracic, but Falcone made a complete mess of his intervention and flapped at thin air.

In double quick time, Gianluca Scamacca adds Atalanta's second

The #UEL finalists mean business…

@tntsports & @discoveryplusUK pic.twitter.com/HX0Xo5ROCj

— Football on TNT Sports (@footballontnt) May 18, 2024

There was almost a third straight away, Isak Hien nodding inches over from another corner, as did Berat Djimsiti.

Piccoli was about to set up a tense finale at the 86th minute when his low free kick nearly surprised Atalanta goalkeeper Juan Musso and bounced off the base of the upright. He also scuffed wide with Djimsiti block after Rafael Toloi was caught in possession.

Lecce 0-2 Atalanta

De Ketelaere 47 (A), Scamacca 53 (A)

18-05-2024 17:00

MatchDay 37

Stadio Ettore Giardiniero - Via del Mare

Lecce

Atalanta

0 - 2

Player statistic

1st half

		26'		Hans Hateboer
		37'		El Bilal Touré
		44'		Mario Pasalic

2nd half

		48'		Charles De Ketelaere (Assist: Gianluca Scamacca)
		53'		Gianluca Scamacca (Assist: Aleksey Miranchuk)
		67'		Rafael Tolói

Match statistic

44

Possession %

56

11

Total shots

19

3

Shots on target

9

7

Shots off target

7

1

Blocked shots

3

2

Corners

5

1

Offsides

7

Fouls

20

Lecce

Atalanta

Starting lineups

30

Wladimiro Falcone

Goalkeeper

25

Antonino Gallo

Defender

6

Federico Baschirotto

Defender

5

Marin Pongracic

Defender

13

Patrick Dorgu

Defender

54'

17

Valentin Gendrey

Defender

29'

16

Joan Gonzàlez

Midfielder

55'

18

Medon Berisha

Midfielder

54'

20

Ylber Ramadani

Midfielder

83'

9

Nikola Krstovic

Attacker

91

Roberto Piccoli

Attacker

1

Juan Musso

Goalkeeper

77

Davide Zappacosta

Defender

46'

42

Giorgio Scalvini

Defender

43

Giovanni Bonfanti

Defender

75'

33

Hans Hateboer

Defender

4

Isak Hien

Defender

2

Rafael Tolói

Defender

59

Aleksey Miranchuk

Midfielder

8

Mario Pasalic

Midfielder

68'

10

El Bilal Touré

Attacker

46'

90

Gianluca Scamacca

Attacker

62'

Substitutes

98

Alexandru Borbei

Goalkeeper

45

Rares Burnete

Attacker

40

Jasper Samooja

Goalkeeper

21

Federico Brancolini

Goalkeeper

59

Ahmed Touba

Defender

83

Daniel Samek

Midfielder

7

Pontus Almqvist

Attacker

23

Sebastian Esposito

Defender

12

Lorenzo Venuti

Defender

29'

29

Alexis Blin

Midfielder

54'

50

Santiago Pierotti

Attacker

54'

10

Rémi Oudin

Attacker

55'

8

Hamza Rafia

Midfielder

83'

31

Francesco Rossi

Goalkeeper

22

Matteo Ruggeri

Defender

29

Marco Carnesecchi

Goalkeeper

11

Ademola Lookman

Attacker

44

Leonardo Mendicino

Midfielder

13

Éderson

Midfielder

46'

17

Charles De Ketelaere

Attacker

46'

19

Berat Djimsiti

Defender

62'

25

Michel Adopo

Midfielder

68'

20

Mitchel Bakker

Defender

75'

Atalanta director Luca Percassi assures they are ready for the Europa League Final with Bayer Leverkusen and ‘thoroughly deserve’ to be there, but first they must get past Lecce.

It kicks off at the Stadio Via del Mare at 17.00 UK time (16.00 GMT).

You can follow all the build-up and action as it happens from this game and Torino–Milan on the LIVEBLOG.

La Dea had been in remarkable form recently, yet struggled to get a shot on target in the 1-0 Coppa Italia Final defeat to Juventus on Wednesday in Rome.

There is no time to feel disappointed, as they are again on the field for this Serie A trip to Lecce.

“It will be a very complicated game, it is very hot today and Lecce had an excellent season, securing safety with a lot of time to spare,” Percassi told Sky Sport Italia.

“Obviously, playing this frequently is complicated and difficult, but this is another tournament, we know what to expect.”

Atalanta preparing for Europa League

They are now gearing up for the Europa League Final against Bayer Leverkusen on May 22, a side that today ended the Bundesliga as unbeaten champions and are hoping to make it a perfect Treble.

Atalanta might be considered the underdogs for the showdown in Dublin, but more than made their mark on the tournament so far too.

“Certainly, this is an Atalanta team that after the group phase faced big clubs like Sporting, Liverpool and Marseille, so thoroughly deserved their place in the Final. We’ll face the reigning champions of Germany, but the bar has always been very high in this tournament.”

Atalanta are without suspended Teun Koopmeiners but return Gianluca Scamacca for the visit to Lecce as they hope to lock down fifth place.

It kicks off at the Stadio Via del Mare at 17.00 UK time (16.00 GMT).

You can follow all the build-up and action as it happens from this game and Torino–Milan on the LIVEBLOG.

La Dea had been on sparkling form until losing the Coppa Italia Final 1-0 to Juventus on Wednesday.

Scamacca was suspended for that match and returns here, whereas Koopmeiners sits out a ban instead, with Marten de Roon, Sead Kolasinac and Emil Holm injured, so Giorgio Scalvini is moved into midfield.

The Coppa Italia was only the first in a crammed set of appointments this term, as Atalanta will face Bayer Leverkusen in the Europa League Final in Dublin on May 22.

They also want to lock down fifth place in Serie A and consequently Champions League qualification.

Lecce have already guaranteed top flight safety and will therefore be in the mood for celebration during their final home game of the season.

Roberto Piccoli returns from suspension, but Nicola Sansone, Lameck Banda, Mohamed Kaba and Kastriot Dermaku are injured.

Lecce vs. Atalanta line-ups

Lecce: Falcone; Gendrey, Baschirotto, Pongracic, Gallo; Berisha, Ramadani, Gonzalez; Piccoli, Krstovic, Dorgu

Atalanta: Musso; Toloi, Hien, Bonfanti; Hateboer, Scalvini, Pasalic, Zappacosta; Miranchuk; Scamacca, Toure

18-05-2024 17:00

MatchDay 37

Stadio Ettore Giardiniero - Via del Mare

Lecce

Atalanta

0 - 2

Player statistic

1st half

		26'		Hans Hateboer
		37'		El Bilal Touré
		44'		Mario Pasalic

2nd half

		48'		Charles De Ketelaere (Assist: Gianluca Scamacca)
		53'		Gianluca Scamacca (Assist: Aleksey Miranchuk)
		67'		Rafael Tolói

Match statistic

44

Possession %

56

11

Total shots

19

3

Shots on target

9

7

Shots off target

7

1

Blocked shots

3

2

Corners

5

1

Offsides

7

Fouls

20

Lecce

Atalanta

Starting lineups

30

Wladimiro Falcone

Goalkeeper

25

Antonino Gallo

Defender

6

Federico Baschirotto

Defender

5

Marin Pongracic

Defender

13

Patrick Dorgu

Defender

54'

17

Valentin Gendrey

Defender

29'

16

Joan Gonzàlez

Midfielder

55'

18

Medon Berisha

Midfielder

54'

20

Ylber Ramadani

Midfielder

83'

9

Nikola Krstovic

Attacker

91

Roberto Piccoli

Attacker

1

Juan Musso

Goalkeeper

77

Davide Zappacosta

Defender

46'

42

Giorgio Scalvini

Defender

43

Giovanni Bonfanti

Defender

75'

33

Hans Hateboer

Defender

4

Isak Hien

Defender

2

Rafael Tolói

Defender

59

Aleksey Miranchuk

Midfielder

8

Mario Pasalic

Midfielder

68'

10

El Bilal Touré

Attacker

46'

90

Gianluca Scamacca

Attacker

62'

Substitutes

98

Alexandru Borbei

Goalkeeper

45

Rares Burnete

Attacker

40

Jasper Samooja

Goalkeeper

21

Federico Brancolini

Goalkeeper

59

Ahmed Touba

Defender

83

Daniel Samek

Midfielder

7

Pontus Almqvist

Attacker

23

Sebastian Esposito

Defender

12

Lorenzo Venuti

Defender

29'

29

Alexis Blin

Midfielder

54'

50

Santiago Pierotti

Attacker

54'

10

Rémi Oudin

Attacker

55'

8

Hamza Rafia

Midfielder

83'

31

Francesco Rossi

Goalkeeper

22

Matteo Ruggeri

Defender

29

Marco Carnesecchi

Goalkeeper

11

Ademola Lookman

Attacker

44

Leonardo Mendicino

Midfielder

13

Éderson

Midfielder

46'

17

Charles De Ketelaere

Attacker

46'

19

Berat Djimsiti

Defender

62'

25

Michel Adopo

Midfielder

68'

20

Mitchel Bakker

Defender

75'

Atalanta will be keen to bounce back from their Coppa Italia final defeat with a much-needed win in their Serie A clash with Lecce.

The match between the Salentini and la Dea kicks off at 17.00 UK time at the Stadio Via del mare in Lecce.

Lecce have little to play for heading into the summer, only a point or two away from mathematically securing their spot in the topflight for next season. The Puglian outfit sit 13^th in the table with 37 points, five ahead of relegation candidates Empoli.

The Salentini are without Kastriot Dermaku, Lameck Banda, Mohamed Kaba and Nicola Sansone, all of whom are sidelined with injuries.

Atalanta were left heartbroken after their Coppa Italia final loss to Juventus, but they can’t afford to lose motivation as they push to secure a spot in the Champions League, sitting just three points ahead of sixth place Roma.

The Bergamo outfit cannot count on the injured Sead Kolasinac, Marten De Roon and Emil Holm. Teun Koopmeiners is also out through suspension.

When these two teams met back in December, Atalanta edged out a 1-0 win over Lecce after a 58^th minute strike from Ademola Lookman.

Probable line-ups for Lecce vs Atalanta

Lecce (4-4-2): Falcone; Gendrey, Baschirotto, Pongracic, Gallo; Oudin, Blin, Ramadani, Dorgu; Krstovic, Piccoli.

Atalanta (3-4-3): Carnesecchi; Toloi, Djimsiti, Scalvini; Hateboer, Pasalic, Ederson, Zappacosta; Miranchuk, Scamacca, Lookman.

Atalanta midfielder Marten de Roon confirms he won’t be eligible to play in the Europa League Final against Bayer Leverkusen: ‘The biggest nightmare.’

The Dutch midfielder was subbed off in tears during Wednesday’s Coppa Italia Final against Juventus with a suspected knee injury.

Gian Piero Gasperini had already confirmed that the 33-year-old would not be eligible for next week’s Europa League Final, but De Roon has now confirmed it with a heartbreaking social media post.

“A few days ago I never thought I’d write these words,” said De Roon.

“I can’t play the Europa League final. What should’ve been the most important week of my career, became the biggest nightmare.”

A few days ago I never thought I’d write these words: I can’t play the Europa League final. What should’ve been the most important week of my career, became the biggest nightmare. pic.twitter.com/ja0kJVnotE

— Marten de Roon (@Dirono) May 17, 2024

Napoli have reportedly been in contact with Atalanta coach Gian Piero Gasperini on Thursday, in regards to a potential appointment as successor to current Partenopei coach Francesco Calzona, according to the latest updates in Italy.

According to Gianluca Di Marzio and Sky Sport Italia, Napoli made ‘new’ contact with Gasperini, who is understood to be club President Aurelio De Laurentiis’ first choice candidate for the job.

Recent reports, including Thursday’s, suggest that former Italy CT Antonio Conte is also right up the top of Napoli’s wishlist.

De Laurentiis hinted earlier in the month that he was a big believer in Gasperini, after what has been a massively successful season for La Dea.

Atalanta currently find themselves in fifth place in Serie A, which will be enough to qualify for the Champions League, as Italy have gained an additional spot for the 2024-25 tournament.

They are also due to play Bayer Leverkusen in the Europa League final at the end of the month, and took part in another final on Wednesday, ultimately losing 1-0 to Juventus in the Coppa Italia.

Gasperini, Conte and Other Napoli candidates

As well as De Laurentiis, Giovanni Manna, who is rumoured to be the next Napoli sporting director, is also a fond admirer of Gasperini’s.

The coach himself is understood to be perfectly happy with his position in Bergamo and is under contract until the summer of 2025. Recent reports elsewhere suggest that Atalanta are keen to table a new contract extension for the 66-year-old.

Thursday’s report suggests that De Laurentiis is prepared to hold out for Gasperini. The coach is expected to consult his current employers before making a decision either way.

Antonio Conte also remains a firm favourite, reports Gianluca Di Marzio. However, if Napoli are not able to convince him or Gasperini, then the back-up options reportedly include current Milan boss Stefano Pioli and Fiorentina’s Vincenzo Italiano.

I dettagli:https://t.co/wvefJ4384K

— Gianluca Di Marzio (@DiMarzio) May 16, 2024

Check out today’s latest news from Serie A, including the massive drama surrounding Massimiliano Allegri at Juventus and the Old Lady’s offer to Thiago Motta.

Multiple reports in Italy confirmed Juventus could sack Massimiliano Allegri before the end of the season, even today, as the club didn’t like the way the coach behaved during and after the Atalanta game and because they would change coach at the end of the season anyway.

Juventus coach Massimiliano Allegri has been banned for two games in Coppa Italia and fined €5,000 after receiving a red card in last night’s win over Atalanta.

Massimiliano Allegri unleashed a flurry of emotion in the closing stages of Juventus’ Coppa Italia final win over Atalanta, something that’s been a long time coming for the Livornese tactician, Apollo Heyes wrote.

Massimiliano Allegri won’t be the Juventus coach next season and could even be sacked before the last two games of the campaign, but not all Bianconeri fans are happy to see the Italian tactician leave, Lorenzo Bettoni highlighted.

More Serie A news

Italy international Gianluca Scamacca insisted every European match is ‘different’ as proved by last season’s Conference League Final won by West Ham and insists Atalanta must not think about Bayer Leverkusen’s unbeaten run.

Lazio director Angelo Mariano Fabiani said the Serie A side will sell Luis Alberto only if an offer suits the club, but Claudio Lotito insists the Spaniard is not on the market.

Brazilian keeper Bento confirmed Inter representatives have checked his availability but insists the Nerazzurri have not made any official proposal yet.

Multiple reports claimed Inter President Steven Zhang is facing a ‘race against the clock’ to close a deal with American investment management firm Pimco before the Oaktree loan term expires next week.

Italy legend Roberto Baggio looked back at his final Serie A match as a professional footballer, remembering the ‘precious memory’ at a full San Siro.

Former Inter and Italy defender Marco Materazzi hit back at Juventus‘ Federico Gatti, who held a scarf with a message against the Nerazzurri after Wednesday’s Coppa Italia victory: ‘Better to live one day as a lion as 100 as cats.’

Giorgio Chiellini opened up about Oliver Giroud’s move to LAFC, what life is like at the MLS club and why Luciano Spalletti can make the difference for Italy at Euro 2024.

Milan’s head coach search is continuing in full swing and Paulo Fonseca has now reportedly moved into pole position for the Serie A side ahead of the summer.

While Massimiliano Allegri is edging towards the exit door at Juventus, the Serie A giants are ready to offer Thiago Motta a two-year deal with an option for a further campaign.

Federico Chiesa admitted he has already discussed a contract extension with Juventus and wants to ‘stay’ at the club but refused to talk about Massimiliano Allegri’s future.

Tuttosport editor Guido Vaciago said Juventus coach Massimiliano Allegri threatened and insulted him last night, after winning the Coppa Italia at the Stadio Olimpico in Rome: ‘I’ll rip your ears out.’

Italy international Gianluca Scamacca insists every European match is ‘different’ as proved by last season’s Conference League Final won by West Ham and insists Atalanta must not think about Bayer Leverkusen’s unbeaten run.

Atalanta lost the Coppa Italia Final to Juventus on Wednesday night, but have an even bigger target next week when they’ll be facing Bundesliga champions Bayer Leverkusen in the Europa League Final.

“There is always something to learn from defeats and surely we’ll remember the lesson for the next Final,” Scamacca told Sky Sport Italia.

The Italian striker was unavailable against Juventus yesterday, serving a one-match ban.

“I think we played a good game; we left everything on the pitch, and of course, margins are decisive. This is football and these things happen,” said the striker.

Has he asked himself whether he could have helped his teammates at the Olimpico?

“I’ve asked it to myself, but it’s hard and far too easy to reply now,” he argued.

“It was a great target to reach two finals in one season, for us and the club. We must learn from this disappointment and turn it into energy for next Wednesday.

Scamacca explains West Ham lesson for Atalanta ahead of UEL Final

“I am only trying to give my best, help the team and bring the cup home,” he continued.

What’s his take on Leverkusen?

“They have incredible numbers. I think they haven’t lost in a year, but it starts from 0-0 and we’ll play until the end,” said Scamacca.

The Italian striker does not think the Germans will be an easier opponent than Juventus.

“I don’t know. They haven’t lost for a year and there must be a reason for it. I don’t think it will be easier,” he said.

“There will be more at stake than last night. It will be a tough match, but if we’ve reached this final we are as good as them.

“We should not feel pressure, only tension. It’s a nice moment and we don’t know when it’s going to happen again so we just have fun and enjoy it. If we win as well, it’d be the best thing.”

Scamacca won the Conference League with West Ham last season but didn’t play in the Final against Fiorentina due to an injury. The 25-year-old feels the Hammers’ win last season should inspire La Dea next week.

“Last season, we probably finished 12th with West Ham; I can’t remember, so games, especially in Europe, are always something different,” he said.

“We must not think about them [Leverkusen] being unbeaten for a year, but focus on ourselves, develop and die for our ideas.”

As Juventus won the Coppa Italia, we now know they will play Milan in the 2024-25 Supercoppa Italiana semi-final, while Inter face Atalanta.

The trophy used to be simply between the winners of the Serie A title and the Coppa Italia holders.

However, from 2023-24 a new Final Four format was introduced and it is scheduled to be played in Saudi Arabia in January 2025.

There are semi-finals first, with the winners of each competition going head-to-head with the runners-up of the other tournament.

Scudetto holders Inter therefore will face Coppa Italia losing Finalists Atalanta, while Juventus will play Milan, who are set to finish second in Serie A.

The winners of those two semi-finals then meet in the Final a couple of days later.

Supercoppa Italiana in Saudi Arabia

The precise dates for the Supercoppa Italiana have not been set, nor specifically the location, although Saudi Arabia do have the rights to host the competition.

The Final Four format was first used by Spain and that too was hosted by Saudi Arabia.

If any of these matches end with a draw after 90 minutes, they go straight to penalties without the need for extra time.

Inter won the first edition of the new-look Supercoppa Italiana in 2023-24, beating Lazio in the semi-final and then Napoli.

Gian Piero Gasperini insists Atalanta put in a positive performance against Juventus in the Coppa Italia Final, but is ‘worried’ by Marten de Roon’s injury.

Gasperini spoke at a press conference attended by Football Italia on Wednesday night following Atalanta’s 1-0 loss against Juventus in the Coppa Italia Final.

“Luckily our season doesn’t end here. There’s a lot to do,” said Gasp.

“We have three games to qualify for the Champions League and another Final in Dublin next week. We are still here. I am not disappointed. I am sorry but don’t think we are disappointed.”

Which consequences does he fear for La Dea given that they have another Final next week?

“To have lost De Roon, which is heavy,” he replied.

“Kolasinac is still not ready and these are the only negative things. We have many targets which put us in the condition to have a great reaction. We faced a strong side, that took the lead immediately, so that was the best situation for them. We felt Scamacca’s absence, but the team and the players gave their all.

“It’s impossible to win 10 or 12 consecutive matches in a row, as we did. It was a balanced game; perhaps we did something more [than Juventus], but all games we play are finals, and luckily, we have other targets left,” continued the Atalanta boss.

Gasperini insisted that Charles De Ketelaere did not disappoint him.

“We’ve been playing every three days. Sometimes highs and lows are normal. He’ll be ready for Lecce,” he said.

“As I said before, you can’t play 10 consecutive games at your best. I am not disappointed by the performance and I think all our players were in good shape. Lookman was the most convincing among the strikers. Everyone seemed fit and in good shape, the only thing that worries me is that [De Roon] injury.”

As for Kolasinac, who has been out of action for a few weeks, Gasp said: “The target is the Dublin Final. Nothing has changed, we are still in doubt.

“We wanted to play without a real centre forward trying to create numerical advantage with short passes,” Gasp concluded.

“Unfortunately, the plan was spoiled after just a few minutes, so I tried to alternate De Ketelaere and Lookman as central strikers. Then I tried Touré, but in a different match, we would not have missed Scamacca so much. In this kind of match, we did miss him.”

Juventus captain Danilo reveals the advice he received from legend Gigi Buffon the morning of the Coppa Italia Final against Atalanta. ‘Difficult moments teach you things.’

The Bianconeri were arguably the underdogs going into the clash at the Stadio Olimpico on Wednesday evening.

However, they took an early lead through Dusan Vlahovic and held on to that 1-0 result for the full match, as Ademola Lookman and Fabio Miretti rattled the frame of the goal, while Vlahovic had another narrowly ruled offside.

“Difficult moments teach you things,” Danilo told Sport Mediaset.

“We had many ups and downs this season, many tough moments, as just a couple of days ago we were held to a disappointing draw at the Stadium by Salernitana, which really let our fans down.

“However, today we did well to win the Coppa and we’re returning home with a new trophy to add to our museum.”

Danilo sought advice from ex-Juventus legend

The Brazilian received some special advice from Juve legend Buffon, who is now a member of Luciano Spalletti’s staff in the Italy squad.

“I spoke to Buffon this morning, as he is my idol in football. He talked to me about a healthy touch of madness, that in these matches what happened before and what happens after does not matter. The lads showed courage.”

There was also controversy, as coach Max Allegri was sent off for dissent in stoppages, ripping off his jacket, tie and almost his shirt too, while screaming at the fourth official.

After the final whistle, during the celebrations, Allegri then seemed to make a ‘go away’ gesture towards director Cristiano Giuntoli. Does Danilo know what happened?

“I am the captain. I have nothing to do with the rest of it and I saw nothing.”

É o Brasa, não tem jeito! #CoppaItaliaFrecciarossa pic.twitter.com/Ev4gYvpx7F

— Lega Serie A (@SerieA_EN) May 15, 2024

Gazzetta dello Sport

Juve crazy with joy

Atalanta beaten to win the Coppa Italia

Vlahovic unstoppable, it is the 15^th trophy for the Bianconeri

The fifth for Allegri, who talks of goodbye: ‘The club will decide’

Elkann: ‘Wonderful, winning helps you to win’

Mission accomplished for Max, but it might not be enough

Fonseca overtake

Milan turnaround, a new favourite for the bench

Inter goosebumps

Race against time to pay back the loan

Oaktree put up a wall, sparks fly with Pimco

Corriere dello Sport

Allegri style

Atalanta KO (1-0): Allegri salutes with a trophy and 100m kitty

Max triumph: Juve lift the Coppa Italia

Vlahovic super

Dusan stuns Gasperini at the 4^th

VAR disallows the Serbian’s 2-0, Lookman off the upright and Miretti the crossbar

Electricity in the finale: Bianconeri coach is sent off and screams ‘Shame, where is Rocchi?’

Zirkzee costs only 40 million!

Agreement between Bologna and his agent (Kia) facilitates the sale

Dutchman’s clause has been extended to everyone: considering 45% will go to Bayern, the Rossoblu would only pocket 21 million

Odgaard purchased outright

Lazio emotional: Eriksson will be at the Olimpico

Before the Sassuolo match

Tuttosport

Juve joy!

Super Vlahovic beats Atalanta and referee Maresca

The Coppa Italia is back (15^th time), three years later: great goal from the Serbian is decisive at the 4^th minute, then he is denied a clear penalty and 2-0 for an absurd offside call

Bianconeri never so tough

Lookman and Miretti hit the woodwork, many goosebumps

A red card, epic show and nice hug with Gasperini, then Allegri is carried in deserved triumph

Max Allegri denied he made an insulting gesture telling Juventus director Cristiano Giuntoli to leave during Coppa Italia celebrations, but the speculation continues.

The coach was already very agitated during stoppages, tearing his jacket and tie off, then going to unbutton his shirt after he was sent off for screaming in the face of the fourth official.

Juve held on for the 1-0 victory over Atalanta at the Stadio Olimpico in Rome, sparking the post-match celebrations.

However, after hugging his players, Allegri was caught on camera making a hand gesture urging someone to go away and seemed to be saying ‘out, out’ as he did so.

Allegri gesture causes controversy

Ho visto male o #Allegri fa il gesto ‘via via’ a Giuntoli che sta applaudendo? #juve pic.twitter.com/pJaU4Ajp0j

— roberto grossi (@ninersmessimale) May 15, 2024

The footage suggests he was aiming it towards Bianconeri director general Giuntoli, who it is widely reported wants to fire Allegri to bring in Thiago Motta from Bologna next season.

He was asked about the incident and shrugged it off.

“Nothing happened, I was celebrating with the crowd and the players,” Allegri told Sport Mediaset.

“I respect the club, I respect the men and had no problem with anyone. I just wanted to celebrate with the lads, who had an extraordinary campaign. Although we didn’t manage to fight for the Scudetto to the end, we qualified for the Champions League and won the Coppa Italia.”

Max Allegri was FUMING here pic.twitter.com/dIo6eS9fzx

— Premier Sports (@PremSportsTV) May 15, 2024

Max Allegri dropped the biggest hint yet that he knows Juventus will fire him even after winning the Coppa Italia against Atalanta. ‘The club has the right to make its evaluations.’

The Bianconeri had been arguably the underdogs going into this Final, having drawn each of their last five Serie A games, but an early Dusan Vlahovic goal from Andrea Cambiaso’s pass proved the difference.

They then managed to defend with relatively few problems, as Ademola Lookman and Fabio Miretti hit the woodwork, but Mattia Perin was never really tested.

Instead, Vlahovic saw another goal ruled narrowly offside and had penalty appeals, all of which contributed to infuriating the coach.

He was sent off for dissent in stoppages, tore off his jacket, tie and almost his shirt too while screaming for refereeing designator Gianluca Rocchi towards the stands.

“At Juventus, winning is all that matters. I am very happy for the lads, they did good work, made the club and the fans happy. I am very pleased with this evening, as it is never easy to win, but it is in the Juventus DNA,” Allegri told Sport Mediaset.

Allegri pushed on apparent row with Giuntoli

On the way off the field before the trophy was handed out, Allegri seemed to be telling someone – perhaps director Cristiano Giuntoli – to go away.

“Nothing happened, I was celebrating with the crowd and the players. I respect the club, I respect the men and had no problem with anyone. I just wanted to celebrate with the lads, who had an extraordinary campaign. Although we didn’t manage to fight for the Scudetto to the end, we qualified for the Champions League and won the Coppa Italia.”

Ho visto male o #Allegri fa il gesto ‘via via’ a Giuntoli che sta applaudendo? #juve pic.twitter.com/pJaU4Ajp0j

— roberto grossi (@ninersmessimale) May 15, 2024

Many assume that Juventus will fire Allegri at the end of the season, even though he has achieved everything that was asked of him by qualifying for the Champions League and winning the Coppa Italia.

“If I am no longer the coach of Juventus next season, seeing as everyone seems to take it for granted that I am leaving, then I leave a strong team for this club. I don’t know anything yet, I am just joking. At Juventus, winning is all that matters, then the club will make their evaluations.”

Allegri has made history as the first coach to win the Coppa Italia on five different occasions, all of them on the bench of Juventus, as Roberto Mancini and Sven-Goran Eriksson stopped at four.

It is the 15^th edition for the Bianconeri, who remain by a long way the most successful club in the history of the competition, but Juve had not won any silverware in three years.

“The players deserve the credit, as they wanted this trophy. I told them beforehand they had every chance to win and they proved themselves tonight, so I am very happy for them.”

Allegri had some surprises with the starting XI, as suspended Fabio Miretti was replaced by Hans Nicolussi Caviglia, while Samuel Iling-Junior played rather than Filip Kostic.

“Nicolussi Caviglia is an intelligent lad, perhaps I could’ve used him more this season, but he always stepped up when called upon. Since March 5 when we lost to Inter, those were three tough months, difficult to deal with and after a while it feels like the ball is made of lead. We kept going, qualified for the Champions League and won the Coppa Italia, so I can only thank them.

“You start a season as a group and then become a team with time. It is not easy for some of them at a big club like Juventus, as dealing with the criticism over the last three months was a real growth experience that will do good for the future of Juve.”

Biggest hint yet Allegri is leaving Juventus

Allegri has been criticised far more than his players this season, so does he feel a sense of revenge?

“No, it’s a matter of respect, of behaviour and evaluation, and I am fortunately quite realistic about things. I am very happy to be at this glorious club, I have had eight years here, 10 if you consider the two where I stayed out. I can only thank them, as they gave me the opportunity to win many trophies.

“It is right that we celebrate tonight, but from tomorrow Juventus must work to start winning again.”

Under contract until June 2025, is Allegri going to be on the Bianconeri bench next season or not?

“The club has the right to decide whether to keep a player or a coach, whether to send him away or not. I am fortunate in my career to have played many Finals, it’s a marvellous experience, the fans on both sides were marvellous tonight and I really enjoyed it. These events are why you are in the job and I hope to experience more in my career.”

This was the 14^th piece of silverware that Allegri has won in his coaching career at Milan and Juventus.

Inevitably, Allegri had to be asked about his antics in stoppages, tearing off his jacket, tie and almost his shirt.

“At that moment, we needed to shake things up a bit!”

Gian Piero Gasperini insists Juventus ‘did not do more’ than Atalanta to win the Coppa Italia Final, but sorely missed suspended Gianluca Scamacca and paid for that early goal.

La Dea were hoping to win only the second piece of silverware in their history after the 1963 Coppa Italia, and what would’ve been the first trophy in Gasperini’s entire coaching career.

However, Dusan Vlahovic sprung the offside trap for an early goal after four minutes and this is the situation Max Allegri’s Juve relish, holding out with a rock-solid defence.

There was only one shot on target, but it wouldn’t have counted due to a foul on Danilo, while both Ademola Lookman and Fabio Miretti hit the woodwork.

“We were up against a strong opponent that took an early lead and defended very well. I think Atalanta played well, we held the initiative for long periods and could not create many scoring opportunities, but still had the chances to turn it around,” Gasperini told Sport Mediaset.

“I don’t think Atalanta played badly, not at all. Our opponents certainly did not do more than us on the night to win it.”

This was the first of two Cup Finals for Atalanta this season, as they will also face Bayer Leverkusen in Dublin on May 22.

The worst news perhaps came during the second half when Marten de Roon went down suddenly and burst into tears, seeming to sustain a knee injury.

Gasperini still without silverware

“We are disappointed, but not so let down by this match. We played our game, it is a narrow defeat and naturally we are said, but we have important objectives still to be achieved in Serie A and the Europa League,” continued Gasperini.

“We’ll get Scamacca back, but losing De Roon with Kolasinac already out is a problem. I am above all sad for the players, because without doubt we lose a lot without certain individuals.”

Atalanta usually are so strong when moving the ball quickly and swarming all over teams, but they rarely did that this evening.

“We moved the ball around too slowly, as we rather easily got to the edge of the box and then seemed to grind to a halt. Being without Scamacca for this particular game was a big loss, because he has this physicality, strength and the timing of the movement too. We alternated Lookman, De Ketelaere and Toure, but they do not have his characteristics.”

The early goal seemed to be a psychological blow for Atalanta too, though they did pin Juve back in the second half.

“Obviously, once they take the lead, Juve know how to defend very well and it is difficult to open up spaces. A few more opened up after the break, also because we pressured them constantly, but these are always balanced games where one incident can make the difference,” concluded Gasperini.

“I maintain Atalanta played well against a Juventus team that I consider to be strong and we allowed very few counter-attacks in the circumstances. There was the very real risk of more counter-attacks, but I don’t really remember many dangerous situations.”