GianPiero Gasperini Defends Atalanta's Team Selection After Supercoppa Italiana Loss To Inter

Add as a preferred source on Google

Atalanta's coach, GianPiero Gasperini, defended his team choices following their 2-0 loss to Inter in the Supercoppa Italiana. Inter secured a spot in the final against either Juventus or Milan after Denzel Dumfries scored twice in Riyadh. Despite Atalanta having a goal disallowed and creating several opportunities, they couldn't capitalise on their 2.5 expected goals.

Yann Sommer's impressive double save late in the match denied Ademola Lookman and Berat Djimsiti, helping Inter maintain their fifth consecutive win without conceding across all competitions. Lookman was notably absent from Atalanta's starting lineup, along with Charles De Ketelaere and Ederson, while Mateo Retegui was suspended.

Gasperini insisted that squad rotation wasn't to blame for the defeat. "We have a lot of players," he stated. "We have had a very demanding run in the league and it was the right time to test players who have not played much from the start."

"I didn't snub the competition; we tried to win and found a very strong team. We made a few too many mistakes," Gasperini remarked. Dumfries emerged as Inter's hero, becoming the fifth Dutch player to score in this competition, joining Frank Rijkaard, Marco van Basten, Ruud Gullit, and Wesley Sneijder.

Dumfries equalled Van Basten by scoring twice in one Supercoppa Italiana match. Alessandro Bastoni praised Dumfries' performance: "We know how difficult it is against Atalanta; they give us few spaces. In these situations, individual talent must shine and today Denzel did just this."

The match highlighted Inter's defensive strength and Dumfries' crucial role in securing victory. As they prepare for the final against Juventus or Milan, Inter aims to continue their impressive form.