Atalanta triumph in Europa League

Gasperini hails 'incredible' players after stunning win

Manager reflects on emotional journey

Gian Piero Gasperini has hailed his "incredible" Atalanta players after they stunned Bayer Leverkusen to win the Europa League and claim their first major trophy.

The Italian side triumphed 3-2 in an enthralling final in Cologne, with Luis Muriel scoring a brace and Robin Gosens also on target.

Gasperini, who has been in charge of Atalanta since 2016, was emotional after the match and praised his players' dedication and hard work.

"I am so happy for the players, they deserve this," he said. "They have worked so hard all season and they have never given up.

"We have had a lot of setbacks this season, but we have always come back stronger. This is a special group of players and I am proud of them."

Atalanta's victory is their first major trophy since winning the Coppa Italia in 1963.