Gian Piero Gasperini has identified a concerning trend within Atalanta’s performance following their 2-2 draw against Juventus and elucidates the meticulous preparation behind their free-kick strategy while also highlighting the developmental progress of Teun Koopmeiners.
The urgency of preparation for the match against Juventus was accentuated by the tight schedule, compounded by the previous encounter – a 1-1 draw against Sporting CP in the Europa League Round of 16, which took place merely days before.
Despite executing a well-orchestrated free-kick routine to secure an initial lead, Atalanta found themselves conceding goals from Andrea Cambiaso and Arkadiusz Milik in quick succession, ultimately resulting in a 2-2 stalemate in Turin.
Koopmeiners showcased his prowess by netting a brace, salvaging the draw for Atalanta. However, this outcome extends their winless streak to two points from four Serie A fixtures, a matter of growing concern for Gasperini and the team.
“It is always difficult to come here and play well. They had a thousand reasons to want to win and lock down the Champions League place, so seeing our mentality in this situation was really pleasing,” Gasperini told DAZN.
“We had the spaces to go on the counter and add another goal, but Juventus were also pressing us hard. What disappoints me is it’s not the first time we conceded two goals in quick succession. We threw it away against Bologna like that, at least we got a point this time, but we need to be more careful.”
To what extent did Gasperini find gratification in witnessing the successful execution of a rehearsed free-kick routine from training during a competitive match scenario?
“We had gone close in another Serie A match. They tested it out in training this morning, there were a few different alternatives and the lads did well to choose the best one.”
Koopmeiners has demonstrated considerable progression while playing for Atalanta, resulting in an estimated market valuation of approximately €50 million.
“We always try to put our players in the conditions to give their best, but the quality is all theirs. Koopmeiners has been improving year on year, he is evolving so well and is also very versatile.
“He can play as a deep-lying midfielder, in front of the defence and when he joined us from the Netherlands was playing sometimes as a central defender! I spotted he had an eye for goal and moved him to a more advanced role.”
Atalanta currently occupies the sixth position in the league standings, trailing Bologna, positioned fourth, by a margin of four points. Nevertheless, Roma anticipates an opportunity to solidify their hold on the fifth position as they face Fiorentina in tonight’s match.
“Inter deserve everything they are getting this season, they are superior to everyone else, but Juventus and Milan are good too. We were not fortunate in those two matches against Inter, while we had zero points home and away against Bologna, so that is the big difference in the table right now.”
Atalanta secured a 1-1 draw in Lisbon during the initial encounter of the Europa League Round of 16 against Sporting CP. The forthcoming decisive match will take place in Bergamo next week.
“Sporting have a lot of quality, they’ve got pace and are top of their league ahead of Benfica even with a game in hand. We had the chance to win on their turf and with a bit of bad luck, hitting the woodwork three times, we didn’t get it.
“The trouble with playing every three days is that you never know what condition you will be in. We were in better shape on Thursday, we’ll see what the situation is next week.”