Atalanta boss Gian Piero Gasperini says Liverpool showed Napoli are not unbeatable although the Partenopei ‘deserved more’ against the Reds.
La Dea hosts Napoli at the Gewiss Stadium on Sunday in Saturday’s big match in Serie A.
Napoli are the table leaders with a five-point lead over Atalanta who sit second with just one defeat in 12 games. The Partenopei are the only unbeaten team in Italy, but lost their first match this season in the Champions League against Liverpool.
What did Atalanta learn from Napoli’s loss at Anfield on Tuesday?
“They are not unbeatable even if they deserved more against Liverpool. You can learn more from defeats than from victories,” Gasperini said at a press conference, as quoted by TMW.
“When you lose, you have a reaction and a bit more focus. Napoli are a solid team, their defeat won’t change anything. We are not Liverpool, it was a close match at Anfield.”
Which will be Atalanta’s approach?
“We must do something important to get a result. This season we’ve been a bit softer when it comes to recovering the ball and pressing the opponents,” said Gasperini.
“Tomorrow’s match will depend on how long we can limit them and play as we know. We’ll try not to give space to their fast attackers. It will be important to close the space but also not sit too deep. We need a focused performance.”
What does he make of Napoli’s sensation Khvicha Kvaratskhelia?
“The club and Giuntoli deserve praise for picking him. He is an extraordinary footballer and it shows that ideas are worth more than money.”
Marten De Roon will be available tomorrow, but Gasperini will be forced to cope without Luis Muriel who has sustained an injury this week.
“De Roon is raining with the team and will be called up tomorrow. He seems healed but of course, there is a bit of concern,” the Nerazzurri boss explained.
“Muriel has a tendon issue, it’s a shame because he played some good games and will be back after the break. Zapata is improving, he’s made some steps forwards.”
Last, but not least Gasperini shared his thoughts on José Luis Palomino, who will undergo a doping trial and risks a two-match ban.
“He is a 32-year-old player who had never been involved in similar incidents in the past. He made a mistake and I hope common sense prevails because he doesn’t deserve to end his career with this label.”