Atalanta President Antonio Percassi claims ‘VAR might as well be scrapped if it’s not used’ but insists Gian Piero Gasperini will turn around the club’s fortunes.
Atalanta’s 2-0 defeat to Fiorentina on Saturday was not only marred by a controversial penalty awarded to Federico Chiesa, but it also left the Dea down in 16th place, with just one win from their opening six Serie A games.
“Yesterday’s penalty? Incredible things like that can happen,” Percassi told reporters.
Atalanta President Antonio Percassi claims ‘VAR might as well be scrapped if it’s not used’ but insists Gian Piero Gasperini will turn around the club’s fortunes.
Atalanta’s 2-0 defeat to Fiorentina on Saturday was not only marred by a controversial penalty awarded to Federico Chiesa, but it also left the Dea down in 16th place, with just one win from their opening six Serie A games.
“Yesterday’s penalty? Incredible things like that can happen,” Percassi told reporters.
“VAR has yielded excellent results, but if it’s not used then it might as well be scrapped. This year’s balance sheet says it’s not being used properly.
“How can I forget what happened? I may need a sleeping pill… Unfortunately this incident affected the result as we didn’t deserve to lose.
“That said, the team are present and showed it against a strong team, who put in some great performances until we faced them.
“We made things different for them and were much better than them. Each of our players gave a response.
“Our poor start could be because we changed some players. The new faces still haven’t adapted fully, but I’m sure Gasperini will solve this problem.
“Now we’re focused on Sunday. The table? We must be careful, but I’ve always said that the primary objective is survival.
“We have only one point less than last year, but that doesn’t mean anything. The past is the past, we’re only thinking about the present.
“If we were able to score more, we’d certainly be in a better position. Conceding only a few goals is important, but scoring them is more so.
“That’s the only thing missing. I don’t see any other problems. The players are recovering from their Europa League elimination.
“For that I’m happy. Now we have to start over in the League. It’ll be a very important match against Samp, as is every one we’re involved in.
“All our opponents have strengthened so every Sunday will be a battle.”