Atalanta Manager Inconsolable After Heartbreaking Napoli Defeat | OneFootball

Atalanta slumped to a late 3-2 home defeat to Serie A pacesetters Napoli on Saturday evening, losing potentially crucial ground in the Scudetto race. Romelu Lukaku’s towering header in the 78th minute saw Antonio Conte’s side avenge a 3-0 defeat in November’s reverse fixture and steer seven points clear of third-placed La Dea.

Despite becoming the first team to beat Napoli’s defense twice for the first time since their thumping win in Naples, Atalanta failed to capitalize on another scintillating attacking performance. As a result of a fourth consecutive winless league outing, Gian Piero Gasperini’s men have lost significant ground in the Scudetto tussle.

The Europa League-winning manager addressed the media after the match, revealing his frustration for ending up empty-handed despite Atalanta’s decent performance at the Gewiss Stadium.

“This is a defeat we struggle to swallow considering the way we played and the statistics, but this is football,” the Atalanta boss told Sky Sport Italia via Gianluca Di Marzio. “It takes nothing away from the quality of Napoli, but it is difficult to accept.”

Gasperini also commented on a ruthless fitness schedule, which sees Atalanta play two games per week.

“We play every three days, there might be some performances where you don’t give your best,” he added. “But in the last few weeks we have played Lazio, Juventus, Inter, and Napoli, so the very best in Italian football.