A week after being named coach of the month, Gian Piero Gasperini showed why he is likely to be a contender for manager of the season again. Gasperini’s substitutions had an immediate impact as Atalanta won 1-0 at lowly Cagliari on Saturday to ensure it will end the weekend top of the Serie A table.

Going toe-to-toe with European royalty will also only add to Atalanta's conviction they can win Italy's biggest prize

Atalanta won the Europa League last season but have never won Serie A. They achieved their highest finish of third place three times under Gasperini. Cagliari gave an impressive performance but remained just two points above the relegation zone.

A week after being named coach of the month, Gian Piero Gasperini showed why he is likely to be a contender for manager of the season again.