Coach Gian Piero Gasperini analyses the match between Atalanta and Cagliari: “An ugly performance” of the Nerazzurri who, despite being a man down, managed to equalise after the Sardinian’s opener but then couldn’t do anything on the Rossoblù’s second goal.

Gian Piero Gasperini, this performance from Atalanta was unusual. We didn’t see the Atalanta side we are used to seeing. What was missing today?

“It was an ugly performance. We have to admit that today’s performance [was poor], especially in the first half, on a technical level, we created very few chances despite what the team had produced, who pretty much played in one single half of the pitch. We conceded the first time they entered our box even though there’s a very questionable incident on this matter, which hinders us. We managed to get the equaliser, then we left some spaces open and in the final minutes of the second half, there was a lot of mess. And even in that mess, we didn’t manage to make the most of it. First of all, I think we have to get back to being organised as a team. This performance lowers our possibilities in the league. First of all, we have to get back to being united as a team and to find again our playing skills.”

This defeat hurts a lot.

“For how it arrived, as we put our effort into it. Going down to 10 men took away the possibility from us to… Even if we managed to come back. I have the feeling that we are lacking some focus in some positions. When we pour forward, we don’t use the flanks, we use the middle a lot. We mess up a lot centrally. We lose the ball frequently. This is up to me, I have to get back some sort of balance and geometry in the team”.

Is there something to complain about the first Cagliari goal? As the handball seemed clear.

“It seemed clear to everybody, there are videos of it. It’s clear that the referee can’t see it, they can’t see it from the bench. However, this is an incident that VAR should evaluate. It’s difficult to understand VAR’s decision.”

Now there’s Fiorentina. They’re also fresh from a home defeat against Lazio, the opponent is different, but both Atalanta and Fiorentina want to bounce back, and the match is a knockout fixture.

“It’s a one-off tie, with a potential semifinal up for grabs, which would be very important. It’ll be a difficult match for both teams. This game arrives at the right time, as we’ll try to bounce back after today’s match.”