Former Atalanta playmaker Papu Gomez thinks that if Gian Piero Gasperini and his side can perform the unthinkable and wrestle this season’s Scudetto off Inter Milan, then they will surpass Leicester City’s Premier League title triumph of 2016.
The Bergamo-based club have been in stellar form this campaign, with La Dea currently third in the Serie A table and only three points off the current pace-setters and reigning champions Inter. Gasperini’s men are currently on a tear of eight wins in 10, including six in a row.
That scintillating streak has seen the club claim the scalps of Juventus and Napoli, while also picking up points against Lazio and drawing with Inter earlier in the campaign. With Juve down in seventh and currently 12 points adrift of the summit, the title race is once again wide open in Italy.
Inter have stolen a march heading into the festive period, but Atalanta have been in their slipstream every step of the way, while AC Milan are sandwiched between the duo and daring to dream of a first Scudetto since the heady days of 2011 under Massimiliano Allegri.
Gomez, who donned the famed blue and black for seven years between 2014 and 2021, helping the club establish themselves as regulars on the Champions League circuit, believes his former club could eclipse Leicester’s miraculous Premier League triumph in 2016 if they win Serie A this term.
“If Atalanta win Serie A, it would be extraordinary for the city and the club,” Gomez told La Gazzetta dello Sport.
“It would be unique for Antonio Percassi [Atalanta’s president], Gasperini and everyone, it would be even better than Leicester’s Premier League victory.”
Gomez added that he did believe “Inter or Milan” will win the title, but holds hope that his former club can write history in Bergamo this campaign. He also discussed the prospects of facing Atalanta in the Europa League after both his current club Sevilla and the Italians dropped out of the Champions League.
“I know it can happen, I’d be happy be happy because I could hug many friends,” he added.
“Even Gasperini? Of course, I respect everybody.”