Gian Piero Gasperini: The Tactical Architect of Atalanta

The Engine of Lombardia

Gian Piero Gasperini, synonymous with Atalanta, is celebrated as the mastermind behind the club’s transformation. Interestingly, his reputation seems to resonate more internationally than within Italy itself.

Gasperini’s coaching career began at Juventus, where he honed his skills as a youth coach under the guidance of illustrious managers such as Marcello Lippi, Giovanni Trapattoni, and Carlo Ancelotti. His next step was with Crotone, a club recognised for providing Juventus youth coaches with a platform to transition into senior football.

His success at Crotone, leading them to Serie B promotion, caught the attention of Genoa. Gasperini’s debut season with Genoa saw him guide the team to Serie A promotion, showcasing his tactical acumen and ability to elevate teams to higher levels.

At Atalanta, Gasperini has established the club as one of the most formidable forces in Serie A and European football. Under his guidance, Atalanta has experienced the brightest era in its 100-year history, consistently achieving impressive league finishes and transitioning from relegation battlers to perennial European competitors.

A defining moment in Atalanta’s journey came during the 2019/20 UEFA Champions League season. The club reached the quarter-finals, nearly defeating Paris Saint-Germain. Marquinhos equalised in the 90th minute, and Eric Maxim Choupo-Moting’s stoppage-time winner left the Bergamaschi heartbroken, but their remarkable campaign cemented their status on the European stage.

Despite not winning the Scudetto, Atalanta is lauded as Serie A’s most tactically intricate team. Gasperini’s approach has made the club a fascinating subject for tactical analysis. Known for scoring nearly two goals per game, Atalanta’s dynamic and expressive attacking football attracts widespread admiration. However, this high-octane philosophy comes with inherent defensive vulnerabilities, as the team often trades solidity for offensive rewards.

This blog delves into the tactical philosophy of Gian Piero Gasperini and chronicles the attempt to recreate his system in Football Manager 24.

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System of Play: 3-4-1-2

Gasperini’s Atalanta typically operates in a 3-4-2-1 or 3-4-1-2 formation. In both varients, two central midfielders form a double pivot, providing a platform for attacking players to thrive. This setup ensures a balance between defensive stability and fluid offensive transitions.

While deploying three centre-backs may appear defensive, in Gasperini’s system, it serves a progressive purpose. It liberates the wing-backs to push forward into advanced positions while allowing one centre-back to step into midfield or join the attack when in possession. This tactical flexibility enables Atalanta to exploit width and overload key areas during offensive phases.

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Defensive Structure: Out of Possession

When opponents build play from deep, Atalanta adopts an aggressive approach. The back three push high up the pitch, forming a much higher defensive line to compress space. The forwards initiate a high press, disrupting passing lanes, while the midfielders closely mark their counterparts.

This pressing intensity is well-suited to Atalanta’s physically robust and high-stamina players. Forcing opponents into long balls creates opportunities for Atalanta’s centre-backs to reclaim possession through aerial duels, a critical component of their defensive strategy.

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Offensive Structure: In Possession

Atalanta’s most distinctive offensive trait is their use of wide overloads. This often results in vacated central spaces, enabling swift ball progression down the flanks.

Team instructions emphasise attacking focus down the left and right channels. The wide centre-backs are instructed to "Stay Wider," stretching the play and creating additional passing options. This approach ensures the team utilises the full width of the pitch to outmanoeuvre opponents and create goal-scoring opportunities.

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Key Roles and Responsibilities

• Centre-Backs:
  Gasperini’s centre-backs are proactive and aggressive, with a key focus on winning duels. The central defender in the back three acts as a "Stopper," stepping out of the defensive line to close down threats. Players like Isak Hien excel in this role due to his bravery, tackling, and physicality.

Drawing inspiration from Louis van Gaal’s Ajax, Gasperini demands a central centre-back who contributes across all phases of play. Additionally, the ability to play accurate long passes is crucial, particularly when deploying a strong target man up front.

• Target Forward:
  Both Mateo Retegui, and Gianluca Scamacca epitomise the ideal target man in Gasperini’s system. Their strength, balance, aerial ability, and proficiency in holding up play allow them to create space for teammates and sustain attacking momentum.

• Central Midfielders:
  Technical precision and tactical intelligence are vital for Gasperini’s midfielders. Ederson operates as a "Segundo Volante," leveraging his work rate and stamina to contribute dynamically. Marten de Roon, with his superior vision and passing, orchestrates play as a "Defensive Midfielder" on support duty. Both players are instructed to prioritise shorter passing, maintaining possession and dictating tempo.

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Tactical Recreation

The Engine of Lombardia - 3-4-1-2

The Engine of Lombardia - 3-4-2-1

This analysis represents an attempt to replicate Gasperini’s innovative philosophy. For those interested, the tactical recreation—"The Engine of Lombardia"—is available for download. It serves as a testament to the brilliance of Gian Piero Gasperini’s Atalanta and their impact on modern football tactics.