Atalanta coach Gian Piero Gasperini was frustrated with VAR ahead of today’s match against Lazio.
Speaking to gathered reporters in a press conference (via LazioNews24) yesterday, the 63-year-old Italian coach first highlighted his anger with the video-assisted referee system and the issues he has encountered with it.
There’s little to laugh about, I’ve never been cautioned in previous games. It bothered me because I know when I am at fault.
Then there is a more serious problem, in this football I find it hard to understand hand balls, VAR, fouls, yet I have been in football for many years.
I don’t understand it, the players don’t understand it, the fans don’t understand it. In too many games unforeseen things happen, but above all there is no clarity.
In the stands, if a word escapes me, I don’t pay the consequences. They tell us, just shut up. But in my opinion it is right to bring up the problem.
Then you can pretend it’s nothing, but it doesn’t solve anything. Maybe it’s time to do so, but it doesn’t only concern Atalanta, otherwise it’s detrimental to all of football.
VAR has a weight, paper cuts. It is not so questionable, in front of the image we do not understand anything anymore. Or there are biased interpretations…
They have to tell us when VAR intervenes or does not intervene, in that way there can be more balance. The expulsion on Sunday was a very heavy one for me.
The Atalanta coach spoke about the state of his defence ahead of the match against Lazio.
Palomino will be disqualified, but he will be available on Tuesday.
Demiral could return, for Toloi the situation has slowed down a bit, more caution is needed.
It won’t be easy for tomorrow or Tuesday.
He commented on the various injuries within his squad.
Pessina is doing well, Gosens is also recovering, but his injury is a bit heavier.
Djimsiti did not have a muscular problem, as soon as he is sure he is not injured he will be able to play.
Finally, Gasperini gave his thoughts on Maurizio Sarri’s Lazio, who sit one point behind the Bergamo-based club in the league table.
We must try to score more points at home because they are essential for the standings.
Lazio are a good team that is growing, with different playing principles that they are trying to put into practice.
It’s a difficult league for everyone. We know we are playing against a worthy opponent.
Atalanta have had issues at home this season, only picking up five points in Bergamo. The team have been more successful away, but are looking to change this in today’s game.
For Lazio, it is the opposite story. The Biancocelesti have been very impressive at home but have massively struggled away, so both teams are looking to turn their season around in the match.
