Gasperini reflects on Atalanta’s solid performance against Venezia

Atalanta manager Gian Piero Gasperini shared his thoughts following his team’s 2-0 away victory against Venezia. Speaking to DAZN, Gasperini addressed several aspects of the match and his players’ performances.

When asked about Mateo Retegui’s impact, Gasperini expressed his admiration: “He’s a player we appreciated even before, for what he showed at Genoa. He’s had a great evolution, and the team puts him in the best conditions to be decisive. He does it with extraordinary frequency and quality. It was definitely a decisive goal.”

Reflecting on the team’s overall performance, Gasperini noted: “We did well to be attentive and focused. Despite many absences in defense, we defended with order. It wasn’t an extraordinary game on a technical level, but we still created a lot. We were coming off a break with many players away, there’s always concern when you resume. The team on the field was not brilliant, but very solid.”

Regarding Ademola Lookman’s substitution, Gasperini explained: “He was struggling to get back, he couldn’t play for the team. Venezia had grown, and I needed to bind the team more, which went well in the second half.”

When questioned about Nicolò Zaniolo’s progress, Gasperini was candid: “He’s coming on in every game, even with important minutes. I watch like you do and draw conclusions. We expect much more: he’s committed, but he must never give up and fall often. We hope he can get there.”