Gian Piero Gasperini Atalanta. (Photograph by Justin Setterfield/Getty Photographs)
Gian Piero Gasperini admits he has ‘regrets’ and needed an Atalanta victory towards Arsenal, however the Champions League 0-0 draw proves they’ll ‘play at this stage’ and preserve enhancing.
La Dea had been making their return to the Champions League after 1,015 days away, however their standing on the European stage has modified since lifting the Europa League trophy in Could.
That was mirrored in tonight’s efficiency on the Gewiss Stadium, the place Atalanta had been left with regrets at solely drawing 0-0 with Premier League contenders Arsenal, Mateo Retegui seeing each his penalty and follow-up header clawed off the road by David Raya’s double save.
“In fact there are regrets, a penalty is at all times an enormous alternative and going 1-0 up at that second would’ve been essential,” Gasperini advised Sky Sport Italia.
“Nonetheless, we must be proud of the efficiency, which was of a excessive stage to match our opponents. Seeing the rebound, it was an distinctive save, but in addition the header was too near him. It’s a pity, as that was maybe one of the best efficiency Retegui had since he’s been right here and he labored so laborious tonight, he deserved a objective.”
Atalanta had struggled up to now this season, successful two Serie A video games, but in addition dropping to Torino and flattened 4-0 by Inter at San Siro.
“I like Arsenal an incredible deal and tonight they didn’t do so much in assault, however confirmed they’re strong and tough to interrupt down. We are going to emerge stronger from this recreation, we discovered so much,” continued Gasperini.
“We now have lately had some good performances, however didn’t specific ourselves the precise means towards Inter. No less than tonight we discovered one thing about the way to play towards opponents of this stage.”
Atalanta and Gasperini at all times go for victory
Gasperini proved his need to win with the second half substitutions, in addition to his alternative of beginning XI.
“Effectively sure, that’s our spirit. That doesn’t imply we aren’t defending, because the defensive work completed by Lookman, De Ketelaere and Retegui was admirable. If we have now our strikers working so laborious to assist the defence, then we will put a couple of extra forwards on the sphere and enhance our probabilities of scoring.
“I believed Arsenal regarded a bit like they had been settling for a draw and we didn’t get the unpredictable end that we would have liked, as they had been clammed up round their very own penalty space. I did assume we had extra probabilities of successful the sport than they did.”
Marten de Roon and Ederson appeared to out-play Declan Rice and Thomas Partey in midfield, with the Brazilian successful a penalty too.
“I agree, Ederson was even stronger within the second half, he confirmed his exceptional power. That’s the coronary heart of the sport and we had been undoubtedly helped by the defensive work of the strikers, however our midfielders received many of the duels,” continued Gasperini.
“It was not simple to interrupt down the Arsenal defence and we have to enhance our play out from the again, however I’m glad. We discovered one thing from this match and wish to carry that ahead. For this reason we’ve managed to develop a lot lately and been capable of play at this stage.”
Atalanta saved solely their second clear sheet of the marketing campaign and Gasperini admits that they had been involved at Arsenal’s power scoring from set performs.
“We had a couple of difficulties up to now this season in defence, however above all conceded ugly objectives on set performs. On Sunday towards Fiorentina, we conceded two headers from lifeless ball conditions, towards Inter objectives from throw-ins and corners, in order that was our Achilles Heel.
“I stated it might not be tough to repair, as a result of these had been low cost objectives to present away and only a matter of focus, however our total defending from open play has been good.”
