Atalanta coach Gian Piero Gasperini has vowed to do the ‘Papu Dance’ if his side are victorious in the Coppa Italia Final on Wednesday night.
La Dea take on Lazio at the Olimpico as they bid to win their first Coppa Italia since 1963 and the boss was in a cautiously optimistic mood ahead of the final.
Though he was positive about his side’s chances, Atalanta have been dubbed favourites by many and Gasperini was quick to dismiss these claims saying the final is a level playing field.
“In a final there is never a favourite, especially when playing a team like Lazio,” Gasperini he said at the pre-match press conference on Tuesday.
“We are playing in Roma but have a huge support. It is an unpredictable final. Winning here 10 days ago gives us the knowledge that we can win, and Lazio also know that they can lose against us.
“I’m happy to be here, and I’ll be even happier if we win the Coppa Italia. I don’t think we are here just because of one or two people. We did it together. Bergamo, the fans, the club, and everyone involved have pulled together to get here.”
The Atalanta boss joked that he would even do the ‘Papu Dance’ were his side to lift the trophy: “I’ve seen the trophy and it’s very beautiful. If Atalanta win the Coppa Italia, I’ll do the ‘Papu Dance’ with [Papu] Gomez.”
On a more serious note, Gasperini stated that he hoped nothing will mar the occasion, given the recent incidents involving a section of the Lazio support
“I hope that there isn’t an incident that spoils the party for the [Atalanta] fans,” he said. “We have to ensure that this is a final only about sport and football.”
