Gian Piero Gasperini admits Atalanta were ultimately glad of the point against Udinese. ‘We have an iron will and never give up.’
There were mixed feelings after this stalemate, as on the one hand La Dea feel they fumbled two points and the chance to leapfrog Napoli into fourth place.
On the other, Udinese missed a penalty with Isaac Success and the equaliser only came in stoppages through Ederson, so it is a point gained.
“At that stage, it felt like a goal was unlikely, even if I had been calling for a few minutes to just pump balls into the box,” Gasperini told DAZN.
“It was difficult by then to get the game back on track, so the point is a confidence-booster really.”
There was a lot of squad rotation after Thursday’s crucial Europa League win over Sturm Graz.
“I think Atalanta are doing well considering all their commitments. Europe is a great thing to experience, but when you play on Thursday and Sunday, there is inevitably a price to pay.
“We did very well in the first half hour and then made things complicated for ourselves. What’s positive to see today is that we have an iron will and never give up.
“Our mentality was rewarded and the desire to stay up there in the top spots of the table. I can only hope the injured players can be back after the break for international duty.”
Atalanta were so short-staffed in defence today that midfielder Marten de Roon had to fill in for the back three.
They’ll have even more issues when facing Napoli following the break for international duty, as De Roon was booked today and will be suspended.
“It is a difficult league, Empoli won away to Fiorentina and Napoli, Udinese beat Milan last week and we saw today they have qualities too. They will finish the season in a better position than they currently hold.
“As for Napoli, I would be happy to repeat the performance we had against Inter, even if the result didn’t go our way.”
Multiple reports suggest Napoli will sack Rudi Garcia, so that could be the debut for the new Partenopei coach.