Gian Piero Gasperini admits he could've taken charge of Atalanta nine years ago.
Gasperini has transformed Atalanta over the past two years into a top four competitor.
He recalled, “I had already been close to Atalanta in 2011, but that year I went to Inter instead. Using a three-man defence there was considered heresy, but now Inter, Roma, Juventus and Lazio all play with three at the back. I believe it's the best way to build out from the back and the results are proving me right.
“I have to thank the players for embracing my style of football. For a long time, people said that we just ran more than anyone else, but we're in the average if you look at the figures. We've got great technique, otherwise we wouldn't score 98 goals.
“My idea of football is to get everyone involved and we train a great deal with the ball, that is the main issue. For example, Pierluigi Gollini is a modern goalkeeper who has evolved in extraordinary fashion and plays with the team."
