Gian Piero Gasperini explained his tactical decisions after Atalanta fought back to grab a 1-1 draw away to Torino.
Josip Ilicic came off the bench to cancel out a Nicolas N’Koulou header from a corner at the Stadio Grande Torino.
“We did well in the second half, but the first we were just horrible,” the Coach told Sky Sport Italia.
Gian Piero Gasperini explained his tactical decisions after Atalanta fought back to grab a 1-1 draw away to Torino.
Josip Ilicic came off the bench to cancel out a Nicolas N’Koulou header from a corner at the Stadio Grande Torino.
“We did well in the second half, but the first we were just horrible,” the Coach told Sky Sport Italia.
“If we don’t win this game with the way we played in the second half, then I don’t know when we can win. Ilicic’s talent is well-known, as when he’s in shape, he’s devastating. When he’s not fully fit, he struggles, so there is no middle ground.
“I try to make him as consistent as possible. There are situations where he’s devastating from the start, others where he can change a game coming off the bench.
“We all changed attitude in the second half, it wasn’t just Ilicic coming on, as we increased the quality of our passing and Torino got better after the break too, perhaps because the ice was shaken off the pitch.
“I took off Andrea Petagna at half-time not because he did anything wrong, but I needed fresh legs in that role. Playing twice a week with Europa League commitments can boost and damage you in different ways. I prefer it, especially if we can play on Monday rather than the Sunday.”