Gian Piero Gasperini realises Atalanta “took a big step towards Europe” with their 5-0 humiliation of his former club Genoa.

It was an emotional return to Marassi for the Coach, who sent the Grifone spiralling with a Papu Gomez hat-trick, Andrea Conti overhead kick and Mattia Caldara volley.

“It was a strange day for me, as on the one hand so many people showed me affection, but on the other there was this result,” Gasp told Sky Sport Italia.

Gian Piero Gasperini realises Atalanta “took a big step towards Europe” with their 5-0 humiliation of his former club Genoa.

It was an emotional return to Marassi for the Coach, who sent the Grifone spiralling with a Papu Gomez hat-trick, Andrea Conti overhead kick and Mattia Caldara volley.

“It was a strange day for me, as on the one hand so many people showed me affection, but on the other there was this result,” Gasp told Sky Sport Italia.

“It was important for us to win and continue our march, as we took a big step towards Europe. The game took a different turn after Mauricio Pinilla was sent off, as against 10 men it became easier.”

Does Gasperini now think Sampdoria will put a spanner in the works for Inter tomorrow night?

“It doesn’t hurt to hope! The important thing though is that Atalanta keep getting results, otherwise the rest is irrelevant. It’s all still wide open and today we gained two points on Milan.”

Atalanta saw Leonardo Spinazzola and Andrea Petagna make their senior Italy debuts this week in a 2-1 friendly away to the Netherlands.

“It’s a great result that so many of our young players have become internationals, which reflects how well the season has gone. It’s only possible if they already have talent, otherwise there’s little you can do.

“We achieved a balance in defence and attack, the team is solid and that has been the case throughout the last few months, with the notable exception of the Inter game.”

Atalanta lost that showdown 7-1 at San Siro.

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