Gian Piero Gasperini explains some of his surprise decisions in Atalanta’s 2-0 defeat to Napoli and refuses to say if he is ‘satisfied’ with their season.
The Partenopei dominated the game, as Pierluigi Gollini was only really tested twice by Luis Muriel and Duvan Zapata, whereas Juan Musso made several saves.
Kvicha Kvaratskhelia broke the deadlock by twisting and turning to make defenders dizzy, then Amir Rrahmani’s header on an Eljif Elmas corner looped into the far top corner.
“We played our game, did well defensively, but made some mistakes on our counter-attacks,” Gasperini told DAZN.
“Overall, the team held out well, but these games are decided by details. We were just about to relish the possibility of getting a result when that goal happened.”
The coach pulled a few surprises by starting Duvan Zapata rather than Ademola Lookman, then substituting Rasmus Hojlund at the half-time break with Luis Muriel.
“Zapata was very positive with his belief, commitment and sacrifice for the team. Muriel is also starting to get back into shape. Even though we lost the game, it was an important response from players who represent the DNA of Atalanta.
“It was difficult against a tough opponent, these young lads cannot always be decisive. Zapata played better than Hojlund, but that doesn’t mean anything, he remains a talent who like Lookman can run into problems.
“They gave a big contribution to keep the team going in the first half of the season, my judgement won’t change after just one match.”
Atalanta have just one point in the last four rounds and are sliding out of the race for a Champions League spot.
“There are still 12 games to go, we’ll say at the end of the season if I am satisfied or not. We dropped points in recent weeks, but also proved this evening that we can play with great dignity and courage. That is what I ask of my players.”
La Dea are currently in sixth place on 42 points, but Milan, Roma and Lazio still have to play and could extend the gap even further this weekend.