Raffaele Palladino expressed his pride in Atalanta’s achievement of three consecutive victories following their 2-0 triumph over Torino. “My team displayed the right mentality and truly enjoyed their football,” he stated.
Charles De Ketelaere ended his 118-day dry spell without a Serie A goal, opening the scoring with a glancing header from a Lorenzo Bernasconi corner. The match remained tense until the final moments, with Mario Pasalic sealing the win on a counter-attack.
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There were worries regarding Berat Djimsiti, who had to be substituted due to a knock before halftime. He was taken to the hospital for X-rays, which ruled out any microfractures.
Palladino Praises Atalanta’s Improvement
In Bergamo on January 10, Atalanta players celebrated following their Serie A match against Torino FC at Gewiss Stadium. (Photo by Francesco Scaccianoce/Getty Images)
Palladino remarked, “I am very pleased. I told the team I wanted them to show character, and they took the field with the right mentality, eager to win and enjoy the game. This makes me a proud coach,” he shared with Sky Sport Italia.
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“My only regret is that we didn’t secure a second goal sooner, as it kept the game open, and anything can happen in football. Torino had their chances, but my team was determined to win. I’m also happy for Mario, who scored a superb goal.”
The celebration was particularly emotional for Pasalic, who lost his father shortly before Christmas and shed tears while being embraced by teammates after the final whistle.
In Bergamo on January 10, Isak Hien and Marten de Roon of Atalanta BC celebrated during the Serie A match against Torino FC. (Photo by Francesco Scaccianoce/Getty Images)
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La Dea achieved something they had not experienced since the Gian Piero Gasperini era, marking their third successive Serie A win.
They triumphed in a series of challenging fixtures, having defeated Roma, Bologna, and now Torino, and conceded only one goal in their last five matches.
“The hardest games are yet to come, as Pisa is formidable at home, and Parma boasts significant quality. We must approach each opponent with the same mentality if we are to continue climbing the table,” Palladino noted.
“These players have given so much over the last two months; everyone gives their all when they play. I see them enjoying the game, working together as a team, and our forwards are the first to assist in defense, which makes me very happy.”
In Bergamo on January 10, Davide Zappacosta of Atalanta BC was in action during the Serie A match against Torino FC. (Photo by Francesco Scaccianoce/Getty Images)
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This latest victory means that Atalanta continues to ascend the standings after a disappointing start under previous coach Ivan Juric.
Now positioned above Bologna in seventh place, Atalanta enjoys a four-point buffer, even with the Rossoblu holding a game in hand.
“Since I took over, I implemented a different training methodology, emphasizing high intensity, especially with limited time between matches,” Palladino explained.
“We needed this approach to boost our fitness levels. I still believe we can be more clinical in front of goal, as we often fail to convert enough opportunities, and today we saw how perilous that can be.
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“While we are creating chances, the main concern would be if we weren’t. We’re also missing key players like Lookman, Kossounou, and Bellanova, but we must find ways to score from all positions, not just the forwards. There’s definitely room for improvement in this area.”