At the beginning of 2025, let's talk about a grudge match filled with gunpowder in the Serie A arena. The protagonists of this grudge are Inter Milan coach Simone Inzaghi and Atalanta coach Gian Piero Gasperini.
The "century" confrontation between the two famous coaches, is it a tactical competition or a continuation of personal grievances?
The Italian Super Cup semi-finals have attracted the attention of more than 180 broadcasting agencies worldwide. Before the game, the Italian media reported extensively on the story behind the game: Inzaghi and Gasperini have had a long-standing feud, their conflicts far exceeding ordinary tactical debates and verbal exchanges, evolving into a series of jaw-dropping events.
Gasperini's dislike for Inter Milan is well-known, which stems from his short stint coaching Inter in 2011. After only coaching five games, he was sacked, leaving him with a deep shadow and becoming one of the reasons why he gets particularly excited every time he faces Inter in the future. But a deeper reason may lie in the unresolved grievances between him and Inzaghi.
"The curtain of passion": the prelude to the grudge
In 2017, Lazio coached by Inzaghi defeated Atalanta coached by Gasperini 2:1. During the game, both Inzaghi and Gasperini were sent off with red cards, and after the game, they even engaged in a fierce exchange of words, with a strong sense of gunpowder. Gasperini accused the referee of favoring Inzaghi, while Inzaghi retorted that Lazio had the advantage in the game, thus starting their war of words.
"The missing video": the escalation of the conflict
In the 2019 Italian Cup final, Lazio met Atalanta again. Lazio eventually won 2:0 against their opponents to win the championship, but there was a huge controversy during the game - Atalanta's free-kick shot, where Lazio player Bastos was suspected of handling the ball, but neither the referee nor VAR intervened.
Bastos had already received a yellow card at the time, which meant he should have been sent off with a red card. After the game, Gasperini was still brooding over this, venting his anger at the post-match press conference, repeatedly recounting the controversial decision.
What was even more unexpected was that a video celebrating Lazio's championship was exposed on social media that night, in which Inzaghi's assistant openly insulted Gasperini and received Inzaghi's approval. This video quickly sparked heated discussions, but it was later quickly deleted, but the internet has a memory.
This incident undoubtedly pushed the contradictions between the two to new heights. It is rumored that Gasperini tried to communicate with the Lazio coaching staff after the game, but was treated rudely.
"The leaked number": the continued fermentation of the grudge
In the 2020-21 season, Lazio won away against Atalanta. After the game, Gasperini once again blasted Lazio at the press conference, while Inzaghi sent an assistant to respond.
Even more shocking was that Gasperini's phone number was leaked, and he was harassed and threatened by radical Lazio fans, which undoubtedly pushed this grudge to its peak.
The confrontation between the two famous coaches: the deeper story beyond victory and defeat
Inzaghi and Gasperini, two famous coaches with distinct coaching styles, have faced each other 20 times, with Inzaghi having the upper hand. Since he took over Inter, he has maintained an unbeaten record against Atalanta.
But behind these games is the unresolved grudges between the two. Whether it is the "passionate tearing" of verbal exchanges, or the "missing video" of online turmoil, or the "leaked number" of real-life conflicts, all add a heavier color to this game than usual.
Now meeting again, this game is no longer simply a contest between two teams, but a continuation of the enmity between two famous coaches. This will undoubtedly add more highlights to this Super Cup semi-final.
Conclusion: The fateful confrontation, who will come out on top?
This Super Cup semi-final is destined to be a match full of gunpowder. The efforts of the players and the on-site command of the coaches will all affect the final outcome.
But what is more worthy of attention is the long-standing grudge between Inzaghi and Gasperini. Their fateful confrontation, what sparks will it spark?
This is not just a football match, but a story full of suspense and drama. Let's wait and see how this "century battle" ends.