Gasperini: ‘Bologna worry Atalanta for fourth place’ | OneFootball

Gian Piero Gasperini admits the 4-1 result away to Genoa flattered Atalanta and reveals Bologna with his pupil Thiago Motta are the most ‘worrying’ rivals for fourth place.

It was a far tougher match than the scoreline would suggest, as Ruslan Malinovskyi had replied to the De Ketelaere stunner, then Teun Koopmeiners curled in a free kick.

Giorgio Scalvini saw his goal disallowed for offside after a six-minute VAR check, but when Marco Carnesecchi made crucial saves, La Dea struck twice in stoppages on the counter with Davide Zappacosta and El-Bilal Toure.

“There are many reasons to feel satisfied, even if the result was rather amplified in stoppages,” said Gasperini in his press conference.

“It was difficult because Genoa are a strong side with enthusiasm and the crowd here gives them an extra boost. Their goal could’ve completely changed the game, but fortunately Koopmeiners scored and that opened up the spaces for the other goals.

“De Ketelare’s first half was extraordinary, even before the goal. This lad has talent and will continue to improve. He has everything it takes to flourish.

“These types of matches can change in an instant, but we did well with the substitutions and to defend well. We are happy for El-Bilal, who had been out of action for almost a year and had two operations, so this can boost his confidence and help him show what he can do.”

Atalanta are in the race for the Champions League spot with Thiago Motta, who was his player and learned many tactical ideas from Gasperini, while today Genoa boss Alberto Gilardino also saw him as a mentor.

“I am very happy for them. The team played with a great Rossoblu heart this evening. Gilardino has done great things here and deserves all this success.

“I fear Thiago will get under my feet right to the end of the season! Bologna are a team who in some ways worry me, because they always play good football and he is on his way towards the very top clubs.

“Of course, there were others here with me at Genoa too, like Raffaele Palladino and Ivan Juric. Those were good times.”