Gian Piero Gasperini admits there ‘could’ve been more goals at both ends’ in their 4-1 win away to Empoli, but it remains ‘a very important’ victory.

La Dea got back on track after some disappointing results, including their 3-2 home defeat to Milan going into the break for international duty.

Josip Ilicic and Duvan Zapata both bagged a brace each, although the Slovenian also ballooned a penalty over the crossbar.

Serie A | Empoli 1-4 Atalanta: Ilicic and Zapata at the double

“This is always a tough venue for us, Empoli are a very attack-minded side who create chances. It was a good game, there could’ve been more goals at both ends, but these are three very important points,” Gasperini told DAZN.

Luis Muriel started the match and created several scoring opportunities, but he made way for Duvan Zapata at half-time, the substitute finding the net twice.

“We are in the Champions League too, Duvan Zapata arrived late from South America, so it was important for him to get a goal. Muriel played really well in the first half, he’s coming back from an injury and unfortunately I had already used up a slot with Rafael Toloi’s injury, so preferred to make the change at half-time rather than wait.”

Toloi is now expected to miss the Champions League trip to Manchester United next week.

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