Coach Cesare Prandelli wants Genoa to "build on the victory" against Atalanta and Ionut Radu’s penalty save “changed the match.”
The former Italy CT finally took home three points, after being appointed to right the ship of the struggling Grifone, and he did so with a convincing 3-1 defeat of nine-man Atalanta.
Coach Cesare Prandelli wants Genoa to "build on the victory" against Atalanta and Ionut Radu’s penalty save “changed the match.”
The former Italy CT finally took home three points, after being appointed to right the ship of the struggling Grifone, and he did so with a convincing 3-1 defeat of nine-man Atalanta.
"We wanted the win, and I think I can say we deserved it," said Prandelli, in an interview with Radio Rai. "We played against a strong team that has been working together for years.
"It was an exhausting game in which we had to give a lot, but we did a good job in countering them. The lads did really well."
Atalanta could have taken the lead in the first half, but goalkeeper Ionut Radu was able to block Josip Ilicic's spot-kick.
"That penalty would probably have made for a different match had it been scored, but missing it might have caused psychological damage.
"Their team is structured and strong, with two players who are above the standard in Serie A. We really did exceptionally well.
"I sincerely hope we can build on this victory, because this group has the potential to do that.”
Krzysztof Piatek consolidated his status as Capocannoniere of Serie A, even if the first of his two goals today looks as if it’ll be chalked down as a Rafael Toloi own goals.
"He is a striker who helps out a great deal defensively, too. He has a good eye for goal in the box, we should try and get him better service."