Gian Piero Gasperini maintains that Atalanta was deserving of a better outcome in their match against Bologna, attributing their defeat to a momentary lapse in concentration resulting in the concession of two goals. Gasperini emphasized that Bologna capitalized on their opportunities while Atalanta failed to do so.
Atalanta initially seized the lead through a goal by Ademola Lookman, marking his first since returning from Africa Cup of Nations duties, and appeared poised to secure their eighth consecutive victory at home. However, Bologna quickly turned the tide by scoring two goals within a span of four minutes. The first was converted from the penalty spot by Joshua Zirkzee, following a foul by Teun Koopmeiners on Alexis Saelemaekers. The second goal came through a low volley from Lewis Ferguson at the edge of the penalty area.
“We put in a very good performance, the first half was extraordinary and the only issue was that blackout in the second half, but even then the reaction was positive,” Gasperini told DAZN.
“We could’ve been further ahead at half-time. Unfortunately, we lost when it came to the incidents, the penalty in particular was tough to swallow.
“In the space of three minutes we threw away a match that had been positive.”
Atalanta has suffered its second successive defeat, with the previous being a 4-0 loss against Inter earlier in the week. Consequently, this defeat has relegated them to sixth place in the standings, trailing behind Roma.
“With Inter we again opened the door for them, but this evening we always had the upper hand other than in those minutes. Aside from the result, the performance tonight was of a high level.
“Everyone recognises how good Bologna are, but I do not agree if people say they saw a different Atalanta to usual. We started very aggressive with a high press to stop them playing. Once we took the lead, we should’ve used the spaces better.
“Unfortunately, we are giving away too may penalties, really cheap ones.”
“Lookman made a notable return to goal-scoring and secured a position in the starting lineup, marking his first appearance since his participation in the Africa Cup of Nations.”
“Paradoxically, without him we had nine wins in 11 games, just to prove the individual doesn’t make all the difference,” replied Gasperini.
“It’s a pity today, we had everything required to get a good result, but we have to take the positives. Bologna are very smart at passing it around deep, drawing teams out and then finding the spaces to attack them. They made the most of their chances and we did not.”
There is scant opportunity for convalescence as Atalanta Football Club swiftly readies itself for participation in the Europa League Round of 16 and the Coppa Italia semi-final.