In order to remain close to the European spots, Atalanta had to win and so they did. It ended 3-1 for the Nerazzurri at the Stadio Picco in La Spezia with Muriel, Djimsiti and Pašalić on the scoresheet. Spezia equalised after Atalanta took the lead but as Davide Zappacosta said: “We did great”.

Davide Zappacosta, you had to win and you won. You got three very important points for you to remain close to the European spots.

“Yes, these are three crucial points. After we dropped many points at home, this match was a decisive one. So, we did great even if it wasn’t easy. It was very hot. The opposing side were well-organized, they closed down at the back and struck us on their first counterattack. Perhaps, their goal could have taken the wind out of our sails but we did great to stay in the game, score and then win”.

Davide, Atalanta claimed their twelfth away win this season and this is a new record. What you weren’t able to win at home, you won it away.

“Yes. We set a new record. But it’s a pity, as we lost too many points at home. If we had won some more home matches, perhaps, it would have been a different season for Atalanta, we could have been higher on the table and could have secured a Champions League spot. But it’s in the past now. We can’t look back, we must look ahead as we have two crucial matches left to play”.

The match took place at 12:30 p.m. with this season’s first heatwave… Was it hard?

“For me personally, it was very hard. It was really difficult to play in such hot weather. Early season heatwaves are hardly bearable. However, it was as hard for us as for them. So, I repeat, it was a very difficult match but we did great to be in the zone after their goal and to win it in the end”.