Atalanta coach Gian Piero Gasperini has given his verdict of Atalanta’s 3-1 win over Cremonese at the Stadio Giovanni Zini on Saturday afternoon and offered a word of advice for the in-form Rasmus Hojlund. 

Hojlund returned to La Dea after an impressive week away with the Denmark national team in which he scored five goals from his first two starts for his country, although he was not on the scoresheet this time around against Cremonese. 

Gasperini warned that at 20 years old, Hojlund still has a long way to go before reaching the top of his game, but only if he keeps his focus and determination. 

“Rasmus has very important qualities and he has shown that extensively. The steps to go higher and higher are endless. He must never lose that mentality and this concentration that he has. In Atalanta the mentality is fundamental”.

Hojlund came on for Duvan Zapata just shy of an hour played, although Gasperini thought that Hojlund looked a bit tired after his trip away with Denmark. 

“Zapata and Muriel? The first half wasn’t easy,” he said. “Luis missed a few too many passes. Pasalic also comes from the national team but when Boga, Lookman and then Hojlund came on I was hoping for their freshness. He wasn’t in the best shape but he was tired.

“I’ve always supported the attack because from there we have always had the base of a competitive squad. For the first time we had everyone available up front and we’ve only had that a few times this year.”

Atalanta’s went ahead courtesy of Martin De Roon a few minutes before half-time before Daniel Ciofani equalised from the penalty spot after 55 minutes. 

Second half strikes from substitutes Jeremie Boga and Ademola Lookman ensured that Atalanta went back to Bergamo with three points and remained within reach of the Champions League spots. 

Gasperini reminded the press: “The important thing is to have got three points, we’ll look at the table tomorrow evening. It was important to win to stay in the leading group.”

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