Gian Piero Gasperini highlighted how Genoa ‘make life difficult for everyone’ following Atalanta’s goalless draw this evening, feeling that the result was fair.
La Dea were held to a frustrating 0-0 draw at the Gewiss Stadium in Bergamo earlier tonight, failing to take advantage of their 11 shots. It would be disingenuous to suggest that they dominated the match, with the Rossoblu having 42% of the ball, taking 13 shots and making 416 passes to Atalanta’s 559.
Speaking to DAZN after the match, Gasperini first reacted to the 0-0 draw at home.
“It’s a fair result, we had a few more chances but overall they gave us a lot of trouble by attacking. The match was difficult because Genoa are making games difficult for everyone, this way of playing prevents you from playing well.
“We did well in defence, less so in midfield and up front. If we could have unblocked it maybe the game would have changed, we have to accept this point.”
He touched on if he compares performances between Europe and Serie A, as well as the strengths of Genoa.
“Performances also depend on the opponent, this type of game was difficult to play well. We knew that it was a game where you’d battle more than play, this is their seventh game like this.
“Genoa make life difficult for everyone.”
The Italian coach gave his thoughts on the performance of Jeremie Boga.
“He lives on cues, even tonight he tried some important ones. He doesn’t have consistency, the movements because he’s used to playing on the sidelines and he still needs a bit more time.
“He’s a useful player for us, time is playing in his favour.”
Gasperini discussed if individual players were letting the team down.
“They’ve come close, especially Muriel. Consider that we also played on Thursday night, it’s not easy.”
He commented on the growth of Dutch midfielder Teun Koopmeiners.
“He is a strong player, he has control, physicality, pace, he is a complete player. We are using him where we need him, he started by playing low like he did in the Netherlands.
“I like him a bit more as a midfielder with movements that can be decisive.”
Finally, Gasperini spoke about if he still believes in a top four finish this season. The team currently sit eight points behind Juventus, although they have a game in hand.
“We always play at our best, it will come until the end of May to play the games to the best of our ability.”
Le dichiarazioni del tecnico dei bergamaschi Gian Piero #Gasperini al termine di #AtalantaGenoa https://t.co/YmMSWZrffA
— Calcio In Pillole (@CalcioPillole) March 13, 2022