EMPOLI, ITALY – FEBRUARY 23: Davide Zappacosta ta celebrates after scoring a goal with Ademola Lookman of Atalanta BC during the Serie A match between Empoli and Atalanta at Stadio Carlo Castellani on February 23, 2025 in Empoli, Italy. (Photo by Gabriele Maltinti/Getty Images)
Davide Zappacosta says Antonio Conte was the first coach using him on the left wing and is delighted that Gian Piero Gasperini and Ademola Lookman reconciled: ‘It started and ended there.’
The Italian defender is having one of the best seasons of his career, with four goals and three assists in 21 Serie A appearances.
He also found the net last week in a memorable 4-0 win against Juventus in Turin.
“It’s striking when I think about myself and how consistent I’ve been, but above all, about the team, how useful I’ve been to them,” Zappacosta told Gazzetta.
Zappacosta has played mostly as a left wing-back since December, but it is not a new position for him. The Italian revealed who was the first coach moving him to the left wing from the right.
“If I remember correctly, it was Conte at Chelsea, in the Champions League against Atlético Madrid,” he recalled.
“When I returned to Atalanta, I had already played three-quarters of a season in that position with Genoa. I was ready.
“In that role, I rely less on running and more on other qualities, like cutting inside onto my stronger foot.”
Atalanta are just three points below table leaders Inter and host Simone Inzaghi’s men at the Gewiss Stadium in Bergamo on Sunday.
Zappacosta on change of role at Chelsea under Conte and Lookman: ‘The coach put it well’
“I’ve played against Inter in the league eleven times: never won, never scored, never assisted. Maybe this time…” joked Zappacosta.
“It’s one of those great games to play, head-on and with the right conviction. In mid-March, Atalanta have never had the chance to face the league leaders at home while being just three points behind. This match comes at the perfect moment.”
Atalanta have lost the last seven games against Inter.
“It’s not a mental block, it’s more of a motivation than a burden, considering they’ve proven to be stronger so far,” said Zappacosta.
“We’ve analyzed the losses and how they affected us. This is a chance to see if we’ve grown and if, this time, we can make things difficult for them with great performance. We deserve it, Bergamo deserves it, to experience a fantastic night.
“Ours is a dressing room with little talk, but we always set a strong objective. Using the word ‘Scudetto’ now is not a problem. If you’re up there in mid-March, it’s no accident, and it would be crazy not to take a chance we’ve earned. Being happy with what we’ve done so far doesn’t mean settling.”
The 32-year-old also spoke about the recent argument between Gasperini and Lookman, which had a pleasing end last week in the 4-0 win over Juventus when the striker and the coach hugged on the touchline.
“It was a nice gesture from both. But the coach put it well: it was something that started and ended there, football things when you spend so many days together,” concluded. Zappacosta.
