Gasperini: ‘Worried by arrogant Atalanta, look at teams behind us’ for top 4

Gian Piero Gasperini lashed out at Atalanta players and the media, accusing them of ‘arrogance’ for failing to acknowledge how remarkable a Champions League spot would be.

La Dea were held to a 1-1 draw by Lecce at the Gewiss Stadium this evening, as Mateo Retegui and Jesper Karlsson both converted penalties either side of half-time.

It was an emotional night, as Lecce were protesting being forced to play just four days after the sudden death of their physiotherapist Graziano Fiorita, who passed away from a suspected heart attack in the team hotel in Bergamo on Thursday.

“Naturally, what happened shook and saddened everyone,” Gasperini told DAZN.

“The pre-match was certainly very touching, but then both teams put their focus onto the game.”

Gasperini lashes out over Atalanta arrogance

As for the match itself, Gasperini hit out at his Atalanta players for their attitude, going into the break 1-0 down and risking more goals too.

“I really did not expect that approach to the game, which I would describe as awful. Then we managed to get it back on track.

“I have the sensation that people do not perceive the objectives we need to achieve. They are acting as if it’s easy for Atalanta to qualify for the Champions League, but we need to look at the teams that are behind us in the table.

“This attitude is certainly damaging to Atalanta and we have to take some of the responsibility for it. This would be an extraordinary achievement and we need to remember that.”

The draw means that Atalanta’s lead in third place could be closed up tomorrow when Bologna visit Udinese, while Juventus, Roma and Fiorentina already won in the chasing pack.

Is Gasperini worried about their status in the table?

“Those behind us are more worried. I too am worried when I see this approach, where it seems as if it is ‘normal’ that Atalanta will qualify for the Champions League. I see some arrogance here and that worries me.

“We will fight to the end to achieve this great target.”