Gian Piero Gasperini admits Atalanta suffered against Sampdoria and jokes saying the players are so in sync the coach ‘could be useless.’
La Dea sit third in the Serie A table with Juventus after a 2-0 away win at Sampdoria, but the Old Lady have one game in hand.
Gian Piero Gasperini admits Atalanta suffered against Sampdoria and jokes saying the players are so in sync the coach ‘could be useless.’
La Dea sit third in the Serie A table with Juventus after a 2-0 away win at Sampdoria, but the Old Lady have one game in hand.
“It wasn’t an easy game. We suffered in the first part, but we created some good opportunities. We improved throughout the game and we did well once we scored the opener,” Gasperini told DAZN after the Marassi clash.
“Serie A is a balanced league and it’s always difficult to face these kinds of teams. These games are complicated and it happens not to win all of them. It’s a problem we share with other clubs,” the coach added.
“You can’t dominate for 90 minutes, but we played a very nice game and we deserved to win.”
Josip Ilicic came off the bench in the second half, but this time Gasperini was happy with his approach.
“Ilicic did well. He even played as a centre forward. I am always happy with him, but he can’t play every game. It’s crucial that he feels well.”
Robin Gosens scored Atalanta’s second and is now the best goalscoring defender in Europe’s top five leagues.
“Full-backs are essential for us. They can be an added value in both phases. Gosens is extraordinary for the way he finalises the action.
“Maehle had scored his first goal too, but it was ruled out for offside. He has a good personality and he can find the net in the future.”
Gasperini was serving a one-match ban and followed the game from the stands.
“You are far from the pitch. You’d like your indications to arrive immediately. We are so in sync players may not need me anymore.”