Gian Piero Gasperini saw Atalanta’s comeback win in Verona as ‘a step forward’ in their development. ‘This is the kind of game we often dropped points in.’
Giovanni Simeone had given Verona the perfect start at the Stadio Bentegodi, but Aleksei Miranchuk and Teun Koopmeiners – with the aid of a deflection – turned it around.
This 2-1 result represents Atalanta’s sixth consecutive Serie A away victory, a new all-time club record, and makes it increasingly difficult to cut them out of the Scudetto race.
“This was a very satisfying game to win, because Verona are a very strong team and turning it around showed great strength. The lads were extraordinary, deserved to win a balanced match and getting a victory here will be tough for everyone this season,” Gasperini told DAZN.
“We didn’t defend well in the first half, always struggling on long balls into the box, but that improved as the game wore on.
“Luis Muriel did really well, we have these resources and must get the best out of these players, giving us the opportunity to rotate in tough games like this.”
Gasperini was asked about going seven points clear of Fiorentina in fifth and now nine in front of Juventus, while he also closed on current Serie A leaders Milan.
“I saw a step forward in terms of mentality today, determination, because this is the kind of game we often dropped points in.”
Atalanta crashed out of the Champions League this week with a 3-2 home defeat to Villarreal, so will instead compete in the Europa League play-offs, with the draw on Monday.
“We were very disappointed by that elimination, especially as we got the feeling the result was within our grasp against Villarreal, but they made the most of every opportunity and therefore deserved to go through.
“We’re not thinking about the Europa League right now, we have to take it one game at a time, aware we will always play to win in every competition.
“I haven’t even looked at all the teams we could draw, because I’m thinking of Roma and Genoa, the rest is irrelevant right now.”