Gian Piero Gasperini believes Atalanta, Milan and Fiorentina fans were all “penalised” by the confusion over the Rossoneri’s Europa League status.
Financial Fair Play violations, as well as doubts over owner Yonghong Li, saw the Diavolo barred from this season’s Europa League.
That moved Atalanta to the group stages, with Fiorentina taking their place in the preliminary rounds.
Gian Piero Gasperini believes Atalanta, Milan and Fiorentina fans were all “penalised” by the confusion over the Rossoneri’s Europa League status.
Financial Fair Play violations, as well as doubts over owner Yonghong Li, saw the Diavolo barred from this season’s Europa League.
That moved Atalanta to the group stages, with Fiorentina taking their place in the preliminary rounds.
However, the Diavolo appealed successfully to the Court of Arbitration for Sport, so now the Viola are out of Europe while Atalanta face Sarajevo on Thursday.
“We were preparing to play in the preliminary rounds, but the timing was wrong,” Gasperini told Sky.
“Above all this has penalised the fans: ours, Milan’s and Fiorentina’s.
“Sarajevo? They run a lot, and the World Cup proved there are no easy games.”