Gian Piero Gasperini insists Atalanta leave the Coppa Italia Final ‘with heads held high’ after a 2-1 defeat to Juventus. ‘There was a penalty, but you get lots of incidents like that.’
This was the second Coppa Italia Final in three years, and another defeat for La Dea, who lost to Lazio two years ago and this evening fell 2-1 to Juventus.
Ruslan Malinovskyi had managed to equalise after a Dejan Kulusevski opener, but Federico Chiesa hit the woodwork and then scored the winner in the second half.
La Dea were angry in the first half, claiming Adrien Rabiot had fouled Matteo Pessina in the penalty area, while the Juan Cuadrado crunching tackle on Robin Gosens sparked the attack for the opening goal.
“Inevitably there’s disappointment. It was a tough game, tight, well played by both teams at a strong tempo,” Gasp told RAI Sport.
“We weren’t fortunate in the decisive incidents, especially the first goal and the Pessina penalty, but we pushed really hard. With the way Rabiot went in and Pessina fell, it was clear there was a shove, but not clear who had touched the ball.
“After the break, the game became more difficult, more tactically blocked, we struggled more and they scored a great goal with Chiesa.
“Over 90 minutes there are phases when you are taking control, others when you are not. Finals can also go to extra time, so I tried to have elements off the bench who could change the game.
“We had some difficulties developing the play, but you can’t always do that for 90 minutes. You can introduce someone off the bench, provide a fresh element, change the cards on the table. Chiesa scored an excellent goal and that proved decisive for the result.”
Gasperini was furious when Atalanta lost their last Coppa Italia Final to Lazio, but felt better this evening.
“The Final two years ago was an extraordinary controversy, extraordinary. You couldn’t close your eyes to that, it was a clear penalty and second yellow card to totally transform the game.
“This time, it was a penalty, but you get lots of incidents like that. It’s certainly not the same thing.”
Hans Hateboer and Robin Gosens didn’t make as much impact as they usually do.
“Our opponents did well to block our wingbacks, but we created five or six chances and I don’t think we allowed Juve that many. It’s disappointing for the lads, because we played with such desire and leave this Final with our heads held high.”
Gasperini was again asked if Atalanta can challenge for the Serie A title next season.
“Not since Verona or Sampdoria has a club of our size won the Scudetto. Evidently that means it’s very difficult to compete with the big clubs. The same goes for the Coppa Italia really, as I think Vicenza 30 years ago were the last really smaller club to achieve it.
“We reached the second Final in three years, we played Juventus on level terms for most of the game and we are happy to have reached this level.
“Not many clubs can say they qualified for the Champions League for three years running and reached two Coppa Italia Finals in three years. Until we hear otherwise, we’ve come second this season.”