Gian Piero Gasperini is pleased with Atalanta’s win over Lazio but “perhaps we scored too early and got defensive”.
The Orobici moved up to sixth in Serie A with a 1-0 win tonight, though Francesco Acerbi’s stoppage time header was ruled-out by VAR. Click here for a match report.
“I would’ve preferred not to concede that goal in the final minute, even if it was disallowed,” Gasperini told Sky after the final whistle.
Gian Piero Gasperini is pleased with Atalanta’s win over Lazio but “perhaps we scored too early and got defensive”.
The Orobici moved up to sixth in Serie A with a 1-0 win tonight, though Francesco Acerbi’s stoppage time header was ruled-out by VAR. Click here for a match report.
“I would’ve preferred not to concede that goal in the final minute, even if it was disallowed,” Gasperini told Sky after the final whistle.
“It’s a situation that keeps happening this season, as opponents with strong physicality pump balls into the box and we struggle with those.
“Fortunately, he had half a foot over the line and it could only be spotted by VAR.
“We have beaten two big teams at home, as Lazio are very strong like Inter. It was another good performance, it was hard-fought and a real battle, but we clung to the three points.
“We took the lead straight away, so were perhaps a little tense and afraid Lazio’s forwards would cause us more problems. We had some good counter-attack opportunities, weren’t always precise, but Josip Ilicic was having his first game after a two-round ban and Papu Gomez uses up a lot more energy in that role.
“I am satisfied with the whole team, because this is certainly a strong Lazio side. Perhaps we scored too early and got defensive, preferring to pass back rather than forward when under pressure.
“They say this is how great teams prove themselves, soaking up pressure and taking their chances, so we’ll take that!”
After a slow start Atalanta are very much in Europa League contention, with a trip to Genoa and then a Boxing Day clash with Juventus to come.
“We’ll take it one at a time. These are three very tough fixtures to close out the first half of the season. I am always happy to return to Genoa, where I had many wonderful moments, but they’ll undoubtedly be furious, as they suffered an injustice last night against Roma.
“On Saturday it’ll be a very, very important match for both teams. It’s a fascinating and very balanced Serie A campaign, as there are so many teams crammed within a handful of points. It’s unpredictable and intriguing.”