Gian Piero Gasperini admits Fiorentina “wanted it more” after Atalanta crashed out of the Coppa Italia against 10 men.
Josip Ilicic had cancelled out the Patrick Cutrone opener and German Pezzella received his second yellow card for simulation, but Pol Lirola still made the most of an inspired Erick Pulgar cross-field pass to secure a 2-1 victory.
Gian Piero Gasperini admits Fiorentina “wanted it more” after Atalanta crashed out of the Coppa Italia against 10 men.
Josip Ilicic had cancelled out the Patrick Cutrone opener and German Pezzella received his second yellow card for simulation, but Pol Lirola still made the most of an inspired Erick Pulgar cross-field pass to secure a 2-1 victory.
“It’s very disappointing to go out of the Coppa Italia,” Gasperini told Rai Sport, having reached the Final last season.
“Unfortunately, we just didn’t recover our energy after the draw with Inter and Fiorentina wanted it more, as well as having more fuel in the tank.
“We were a little shaky in the first half, then created a lot of scoring opportunities, hitting the woodwork twice, but Mario Pasalic’s one in particular was a big chance.
“Our objectives for this season are to do well in Serie A, then anything we get from the Champions League is the icing on the cake.”
Atalanta gave Mattia Caldara his debut from the start at the Stadio Franchi, just days after his transfer from Milan.
“He played well and frankly I thought he’d be in worse shape, as he hadn’t played in a year-and-a-half.”