Un’operazione da miliardi di dollari
As La Gazzetta dello Sport points out, Atalanta’s midfield has always played a key role in Gasperini’s system, and the solidity of the De Roon-Ederson pair was crucial in the best months of the season, from October to December. Then, a drop in form coincided with a difficult phase: the Champions League elimination against Bruges, the exit from the Coppa Italia, and points lost in Serie A, as in the matches against Cagliari and Venezia. When the midfield engine slowed down, the whole team suffered.
But the challenge in Turin marked a turning point. High pressing, intensity, defensive coverage and offensive insertions: De Roon and Ederson suffocated Juventus, breaking up the Bianconeri’s play and providing the right pace for their teammates. The statistics speak for themselves, with a marked increase in balls recovered, interceptions and duels won compared to the season average.
Pagliuca tra i principali candidati
The crisis phase had shown a decline especially in Ederson, who was usually athletically dominant but appeared underwhelming in decisive matches. Gasperini, aware of the situation, took advantage of the period without European commitments to work on physical condition, allowing the duo to regain brilliance. The turnover alone against Cagliari had not been enough: time was needed to regain energy, and the results showed.
In addition to the usual protection of the defense, Gasperini allowed the two midfielders more offensive freedom. Ederson came close to scoring twice in the first half, while De Roon found the 2-0 goal, finalizing an action that originated from an exchange between them. The ability to alternate between coverage and insertion is reminiscent of the historic De Roon-Freuler pair that marked Dea’s golden seasons.
With De Roon and Ederson in this form, Atalanta can dream big again. Their dynamism is the key element to make Gasperini’s system work and keep the race for a Champions League spot alive. If they fly, La Dea will take off.
