Atalanta Coach Gian Piero Gasperini hopes they “represented Italy well” after their “Cinderella” Europa League adventure ended.
The Orobici were in their first continental competition for 28 years, yet topped their group ahead of Olympique Lyonnais and Everton, then were twice leading Borussia Dortmund and tonight seven minutes away from qualifying for the Last 16.
Atalanta Coach Gian Piero Gasperini hopes they “represented Italy well” after their “Cinderella” Europa League adventure ended.
The Orobici were in their first continental competition for 28 years, yet topped their group ahead of Olympique Lyonnais and Everton, then were twice leading Borussia Dortmund and tonight seven minutes away from qualifying for the Last 16.
“Over the two legs, we did very well and at one stage we thought we’d win in Dortmund and lost at the 91st. We conceded a late goal here too and ultimately those were decisive,” Gasp told Sky Sport Italia after a 1-1 draw.
“I thank everyone, the fans, the media, it was a fantastic experience. It would’ve been wonderful to go through to the next round past Borussia Dortmund, but this disappointment will pass tomorrow.
“It was a decisive moment, we were countering well and dangerous with Ilicic and Cristante, so a goal would’ve finished it off. Their goal was a bit of a fluke out of nowhere. There are clearly regrets, but we feel that we represented Italy well in Europe and that was our main objective, as at the start people feared we’d be torn apart.
“Every game we played was on a par with the opposition or superior to them, whether English, Spanish or German. These have helped the players grow and earn European experience.
“Considering we were a Cinderella side, the tournament went well. We won’t get depressed about this, it was a competition we were passionate about, as it was a novelty, but we will get over it. We’re more pig-headed than that!
“We are all enriched from the experience. What matters to me is that Bergamo represented Italy well. I have to say, it was lovely today that the fans from other clubs were cheering us on in the Europa League and we thank them.”