Gasperini: everyone knows what happened, but Atalanta must play ‘better’ | OneFootball

Atalanta coach Gian Piero Gasperini believes that everything ‘has already been said’ about the infamous penalty incident, which cost La Dea a 2-1 late defeat in the Champions League knockout play-off against Club Brugge. However, he warned his players that they will need to ‘play a better game’ if they want to progress to the last 16.

The Nerazzurri will host the Belgian outfit in the second leg of their tie, with Ademola Lookman and Sead Kolasinac back in the squad. However, they are likely to lose Isak Hien due to an adductor problem, which could further limit the defensive options available to the coach.

epa11891504 Referee Umut Meler shows a yellow card as Atalanta players protest in added time during the UEFA Champions League knockout phase play-offs 1st leg match between Club Brugge KV and Atalanta BC, in Bruges, Belgium, 12 February 2025. EPA-EFE/OLIVIER MATTHYS

Gasperini: Lookman and Kolasinac back for Club Brugge clash, Atalanta need ‘excellent’ display

“Lookman and Kolasinac have recovered, they are called up,” Gasperini said at a pre-match press conference on Monday, as quoted by TMW.

“In principle, Kolasinac will start, and Lookman might come in during the second half.

“We will probably lose Hien. Today we did a final training session, and he felt some fatigue in his adductor. We will have more details tomorrow.

“The team played a bit halfway in the first leg, which caused us a few more problems. We need to play a better game; in the second half, we had chances to take the lead. Overall, we need to play a game that is two steps better.”

epa11891298 Atalanta head coach Gian Piero Gasperini watches from the touchline during the UEFA Champions League knockout phase play-offs 1st leg match between Club Brugge KV and Atalanta BC, in Bruges, Belgium, 12 February 2025. EPA-EFE/OLIVIER MATTHYS

Can playing in front of their fans at Gewiss Stadium be a decisive factor in tomorrow’s fixture?

“Everything is important, it has an impact and can be decisive in many aspects, but we need to play an excellent match,” Gasperini added.

“Against City, I saw a very versatile team, they have young players who turn the play around. To get through this round, we need to play a good match in every aspect. They made a great impression on me.

“It’s a game that will last 90 minutes, we will need to adapt and create opportunities. We are playing against a team that requires maximum concentration. It has to be seen over 90 minutes, and if necessary, over 120 minutes.

“We’ve already said everything about the penalty in the first leg, the result is what it is, and we have to try to win the game. What happened in the first leg, in terms of the result, has been well documented. We won’t focus on that aspect.”