10 managers who used youth players the most in the last decade

#8 Gian Piero Gasperini

Atalanta coach Gian Piero Gasperini

League minutes played by U-23 players: 19.8%

In the past decade, Gian Piero Gasperini has managed Italian clubs such as Genoa, Palermo, and most recently Atalanta.

Gasperini is a veteran manager with over 500 games experience ever since he became a manager in 2003. Although credited with reviving the careers of players such as Diego Milito and Thiago Motta at Genoa, he too has put his trust in youth players over the course of many years.

His most recent achievement was taking a side that was not fancied to get anywhere near the top of the table to Europe - Atalanta. The 2016/17 season saw him make use of Mattia Caldara in defence (who popped up with 7 goals), Andrea Conti (8 goals & 5 assists), Andrea Petagna (5 goals & 7 assists), and Bryan Cristante (3 goals & 2 assists).

His work with then 19-year-old midfielder Franck Kessié (6 goals & 3 assists) earned him numerous plaudits as Atalanta finished in the top four. Kessi would eventually seal a two-year loan deal to AC Milan.