Gian Piero Gasperini and Atalanta have ‘some regrets’ after their 1-1 Europa League quarter-final draw, as he feels they ‘had the sensation we could win this’ against RB Leipzig.
La Dea had taken the lead with a Luis Muriel scorcher into the top corner and Juan Musso saved the Andre Silva penalty, but moments later Davide Zappacosta accidentally bundled a cross into his own net for the equaliser.
Both teams rattled the woodwork twice and in stoppages Merih Demiral made a goal-line clearance on Nordi Mukiele, so it was a very open and entertaining match.
The second leg of the quarter-final will be in Bergamo next Thursday and the 1-1 draw isn’t quite as good a result as it could’ve been, because the away goals rule has been scrapped.
“We do have some regrets, but then you can lose these games as well as win them, and at the end we had that goal-line clearance,” Gasperini told Sky Sport Italia.
“We had more dangerous attacking situations overall, it’s a pity, because we had the sensation that we could win this. We start the second leg at 1-1, it’s a good result and we’ll have our say.”
The coach was furious with his players for getting distracted and conceding mere seconds after Musso had parried the penalty.
“It’s incredible this season, we seem to just lose concentration. With a penalty like that, you think you’re safe when it’s put out for a throw-in, but instead you concede…”
Gasperini made tactical adjustments to his side, starting with a four-man defence, changing with Giorgio Scalvini on at the hour mark.
“It was Teun Koopmeiners who changed role several times, everyone did well and it was a good performance.”
Duvan Zapata made his comeback off the bench, only his second appearance since December due to recurring thigh injuries.
“The important thing is that the injury has healed. He’s done great work, as has his physiotherapist, and he was able to play for a period.
“Muriel scored an extraordinary and fantastic goal, but Duvan as a presence helps us to play in a different way.”
Absolutely brilliant from Luis Muriel 🔥
Atalanta take the lead against Leipzig through a moment of magic!#UEL pic.twitter.com/6koVxcDM2k
— Football on BT Sport (@btsportfootball) April 7, 2022
RB Leipzig have many Spanish players. Italian youngsters should also be brave and go abroad for more playing time. Otherwise Italy will risk becoming a small nation compare to France, Spain and Germany
What a goal! I really hope they win the tie.