Director Umberto Marino commented on the match between Roma and Atalanta saying: “The team fought hard”. Now the focus shifts to the Europa League fixture against Bayer 04 Leverkusen.

Director Umberto Marino, it’s a pity, as Atalanta kept on believing until the end. However, they leave the Olimpico with a defeat.

“The team believed [they could equalise] until the 95th minute and fought hard. They tried hard, it wasn’t easy. I said it earlier, we found two Maginot Lines in the final 15 minutes, which defended Roma’s goal. There were 11 players defending. We fought hard until the end, this team really tried in every possible way [to equalise]. At this time, when Atalanta are up against big teams like Roma, they find teams who defend themselves and try to bring a result home, by making the most of the chances they have. They had two, while we had several of them. As I said, we created chances until the 95th minute, but it was not possible [for us to equalise]. What a pity.”

It’s the typical event that influences a game. What a pity. It would have given a boost to the team, especially to their spirits, ahead of the Europa League fixture.

“I’ve seen a team that was positively nervous and wanted to get a result. It’s a shame we didn’t manage to do so. But now we’re shifting our focus to Thursday, as we have another Europa League match, which is very important, at home. We’ll approach it having the same determination as today. I’m convinced we’ll have better luck in order to find the right way.”

Atalanta leave everything behind and fully focus on the pitch, on their game and their performance. The rest is left behind.

“Atalanta reflect Bergamo. In Bergamo, we’re used to working and getting back up after a defeat with even more stubbornness, desire and determination.”

And perhaps even angrier, given how the game went.

“The important thing is that our tension is good, but I’m sure we’ll be determined, as our team is made up of great men.”