Roma winger Diego Perotti has paid tribute to Atalanta coach Gian Piero Gasperini.
Perotti played for Gasperini at Genoa.
“In Genoa I had Gasperini and it was him who saved my career," Perotti admitted, speaking to Clarin.
“The way he coached me, he made me feel passion for football again. Gasperini wouldn't let you stop, unless you were injured.
“When I first arrived, out of fear, I held back. But because I was new I couldn't afford to do that, I worked really hard on my physique and it paid off, it was as if I'd rearranged my body and left my fears behind.
“Mentality has a huge influence, and in that regard Gasperini was a phenomenon. Now, unlike when I was at Sevilla or Boca Juniors, if I have a small knock I don't go running to the doctor.
“That's something that has strengthened me mentally and helps me not to feel fear.
“Then there's [Eusebio] Di Francesco at Roma who has changed my way of playing a bit, asking me not to always hug the touchline, but to look to play deep and between the lines.
“That's something [Argentina Coach Jorge] Sampaoli asks of me too."