Gian Piero Gasperini celebrated his 300th game for Atalanta and insisted they should be ‘happy’ with the 2-2 draw against Udinese, despite leading 2-0.
La Dea went into the weekend as joint Serie A leaders with Napoli and felt comfortable after going 2-0 up at the Dacia Arena with Ademola Lookman and Luis Muriel.
However, Udinese completed the comeback through Gerard Deulofeu’s free kick and Nehuen Perez.
“We should be happy with this result, albeit considering it arrived in a moment when we had the game in hand and a deserved two-goal lead,” Gasperini told DAZN.
“Deulofeu’s free kick was an energy boost for Udinese and we were unable to keep our levels up despite the substitutions. We played with character, made the most of the spaces open to us, but this is a game that will help us to learn and mature.”
There was controversy and confusion too when Lookman was booked for an excessive celebration after his goal, whereas he just seemed to be doing his trademark ‘binoculars.’
“It was misinterpreted, he is not a lad who tries to stir up trouble.”
Considering their results this season, are Atalanta targeting a return to the Champions League?
“No, we have to focus on improving our performances now and not think of other matters.”
This was Gasperini’s 300th game in charge of Atalanta and he seems now indelibly linked with the club.
“I could not have asked for a better time together. We don’t look back, though, as there are many more targets to achieve in future. The team has been renovated with young players and we are trying to grow up fast.”