Gian Piero Gasperini’s assistant manager Tullio Gritti is confident Atalanta can turn the Coppa Italia semi-final around after a 1-0 defeat to Fiorentina.
La Dea will be content to leave the Stadio Franchi with only a 1-0 deficit, considering their goalkeeper Marco Carnesecchi was Man of the Match with a series of tough saves.
He was only beaten by the extraordinary long-range Rolando Mandragora scorcher, which was unleashed off the left boot from 27.6 metres out – over 30 yards – to bounce in off the inside of the upright.
Gasperini had to watch from the stands due to a touchline ban, so his assistant Gritti was on the bench and in the interview room.
“The first 45 minutes were not the best of our season, but we must also give credit to Fiorentina,” Gritti told Mediaset.
“They did something more than us, whereas after the break we had our opportunities and could’ve equalised. It’s true also that they could’ve scored more, but our goalkeeper did very well.”
The second leg is at the Gewiss Stadium in Bergamo on April 24, but this is the second defeat of the season against Fiorentina after the 3-2 thriller in Serie A.
“It was a difficult match against a strong opponent, but the second leg is all to play for and we will be in front of our home crowd, who can give us a hand.”
Whereas Atalanta are usually the team with the ferocious high press, this time Fiorentina seemed to beat them at their own game.
“The real issue was that we misplaced too many passes out from the back, we should’ve had more courage. They pressed, but we still managed to create scoring opportunities and were only beaten by an extraordinary goal that came frankly out of the least dangerous situation.
“Of course, we know Mandragora is capable of those shots, as Gasperini gave him his Serie A debut for Genoa when he marked a certain Paul Pogba out of the game.”