Gian Piero Gasperini believes Sampdoria made a game of it in their 2-0 loss to Atalanta and it was still an open match in the 90th minute. La Dea took the lead in the first half through Joakim Mæhle before in-form Adamola Lookman added a second to take his tally to 12 Serie A goals for the season. Speaking to Sky Sport Italia after the game, Gasperini explained why he thinks its been a strange season so far and how Atalanta have managed to turn things around and will make a push for the Champions League places:
“This season is strange for the fact that it was broken up for the World Cup. When the championship started again we noticed that we weren’t in such a bad shape. We put a little more fight. We’re more careful and more focused.
These are always matches that look easy on paper but are very difficult. Sampdoria defend very well and close the spaces well. They never gave up and the game was open until the 90th minute. I know the Champions League questions have been going all season, but as always we’ll see where we are with 10 rounds to go and if we need to have the final surge, we’ll be ready.
Lookman scored a great goal tonight, he’s helping us as much as anyone. Both for the goals and the contribution he gives to the team is important. Boga must attack the area more, he has the potential to do it better and be decisive.
Stankovic? I didn’t have men against me at Inter as far as I know. Stankovic as well as a few other players had a few aches and pains. I was really hoping to start again with them.”
