Atalanta chief exec Luca Percassi says coach Gian Piero Gasperini has never been doubted.

There was talk of Gasperini leaving at the end of last season.

But Percassi says: "No, as I repeat, our history is made of work, the people who work are always respected. It is obvious that the results in football are decisive, we are very happy with what has happened in recent years.

"The words about Arabia in these days? I don't usually comment on other people's statements, I think people should be happy to work here at Atalanta, this is an ideal environment to work, there are fantastic fans, regardless of the result they know the dimension and reality of our history.

"Ssomeone who gives 100% to Atalanta is always respected. Everyone must be happy to be part of this project. However, I don't think this is the case, we are in the midst of an exciting season, it is a competitive championship, Europe as always is a great experience. We are very focused on Sunday's match.

"Seasonal objective? To be ourselves, I think there are important qualities available to the coach and technical staff, they have already been glimpsed in these first few days.

"What do we think when they consider us a big name? I think this is not our case. We are a provincial one, we are proud of it. Everything goes through great work, it is obvious that ours is an ideal context. Our responsibility is to give 100% and then gradually see where we will be. It is obvious that the club has important objectives, even the investments made in the summer show the desire to compete."