Stefano Colantuono believes the “non-existent penalty proved decisive” in Atalanta’s” data-scaytid=”36″>Atalanta’s defeat to Milan.
Stefano Colantuono believes the “non-existent penalty proved decisive” in Atalanta’s defeat to Milan.
The Orobici were beaten 2-0 on home turf by a Zlatan Ibrahimovic spot-kick, awarded for Thomas Manfredini’s tackle on Alexandre Pato, and a Kevin-Prince Boateng strike.
“The non-existent penalty proved decisive,” insisted the Coach. “If anything, it was a foul on Manfredini. He had the advantage and Pato barged into him with his hip. I think the images speak very clearly. You can see Pato change direction mid-run.
“It’s obviously disappointing, as we had prepared this game very well and it was other than that incident a balanced encounter.
“It remains a positive performance, as we work hard and create good football. We were facing champions like Ibrahimovic and Thiago Silva who are without rivals in Serie A. The penalty changed the game.
“Ibra did cause a lot of problems by peeling off outside the box, allowing players like Antonio Nocerino, Pato and Boateng to burst in behind him. He is an incredible player.”
There was a large banner before the game from the Atalanta fans aimed at ex-captain Cristiano Doni. He had until recently insisted he was innocent in the betting scandal, but confessed to police he had some minor involvement ‘for the good of Atalanta.’
The club was docked six points because of the scandal and the banner read: ‘Judas. We are and always will be behind clean football. Doni, as far as we’re concerned you are finished.’