Gian Piero Gasperini feels Atalanta have grabbed their first win of 2025 at ‘the right time’, defeating Sturm Graz to earn a place into the top 24 of the Champions League’s league phase, an achievement that ‘wasn’t guaranteed at the start’.

Atalanta are still in the running for direct access to the Champions League Round of 16 after a comfortable 5-0 victory over Sturm Graz with Mateo Retegui, Charles De Ketelaere and Ademola Lookman on target.

The Champions League goes on. For Atalanta, the priority is to mathematically secure qualification for the playoffs, while still aiming to break into the top 8. The sting of Retegui’s

Bologna host Borussia Dortmund at 21:00 CET (20:00 GMT) at a sold out Stadio Dall’Ara. While Atalanta still have hope to qualify in the top eight, Bologna have only collected two points in six rounds, so they’ll likely fail to finish in the top 24 and be eliminated.

Europa League winners Atalanta thrashed Austrian outfit Sturm Graz 5-0 in the Champions League on Tuesday with Gian Piero Gasperini's side well placed to earn a spot in the competition's top eight. Striker Mateo Retegui gave Atalanta an early lead from close range,

Atalanta coach Gian Piero Gasperini was left delighted after their 5-0 Champions League thumping of Sturm Graz.

Lookman, who replaced Retegui at halftime, impressed throughout the second half and capped his performance with a powerful header in the 90th minute, assisted by De Ketelaere.

Moments later, Lookman showcased his playmaking prowess, threading a precise pass to Charles De Ketelaere, who calmly slotted it into the net for Atalanta’s second goal.

Highlights from the match between Atalanta vs. Sturm Graz