Speaking at the Festival dello Sport in Trento, Giuntoli revealed that Atalanta had identified Rowe as an ideal profile for their preferred 4-3-3 system and had moved before the situation became more complicated.
"There's always a bit of tension. When you play 4-3-3 he could represent the perfect profile, we turned our attention to him a little earlier. Bologna put up some resistance, he had a great desire to come," Giuntoli said.
The sporting director's comments underline the importance Atalanta placed on completing the deal, with the club determined not to allow negotiations elsewhere to derail their plans.
Zappacosta, meanwhile, sees similarities between Rowe and former Atalanta forward Ademola Lookman, particularly in the way the younger player initially approaches the game.
"I agree. I remember Ademola when he arrived, at the beginning he was similar, he tried to beat two or three players every time he received the ball," Zappacosta said.
"Over time he learned to play with the team, to be decisive with assists too."
The comparison offers an indication of what Atalanta will hope to develop in Rowe, with Zappacosta suggesting that adapting to the collective game can make an individual player more effective.
The veteran defender was also asked about Atalanta's wider transition under Maurizio Sarri and the changes taking place at the club. He said the new coach has brought different demands after years of working under a different defensive approach.
"I found him practically the same, if anything a little more flexible on some things. He is very meticulous and seeks perfection, and that can help you grow."
"We are working much more because at Atalanta in these years we worked more on following the man, now there are completely different concepts that have to be assimilated."
Zappacosta believes Sarri's arrival can be positive despite the adjustment required.
"He is a great worker and we are all very positive," he said.
Asked whether he was confident in Sarri's project, the defender added: "Yes, we are only at the beginning of a very long journey, as in all journeys at the beginning there are obstacles to overcome."
For Rowe, the immediate challenge will be turning the qualities that convinced Atalanta to pursue him into consistent performances within Sarri's system.
Giuntoli's comments suggest the club saw him as a particularly suitable fit for the new tactical approach, while Zappacosta's comparison with Lookman points to the potential for further development.