Gian Piero Gasperini says he replaced Mateo Retegui in Atalanta’s 0-0 draw against Venezia to ‘better attack the wide areas’ but keeps La Divinità ’s title hopes alive: ‘The season is still very long.’

Atalanta missed a possibilità to catch Inter at the top of the Serie A table on Saturday, drawing 0-0 at home against strugglers Venezia.

Inter visit second-placed Napoli at 18:00 CET today.

“We weren’t able to maintain consistency in the attacking areas. We improved in the second half: there were some technical errors, but I would highlight Venezia’s defensive performance; they were well-organized and focused,” Gasperini told DAZN via TMW.

Gasp replaced Serie A leading scorer Retegui in the second half.

Gasperini explains Retegui substitution in Atalanta 0-0 Venezia

“I wanted to try Maldini in place of De Ketelaere, but he tended to cut inside a lot, and that’s not the right role for him,” he explained.

“I had to take off Retegui to better attack the wide areas, but we weren’t able to be as dangerous as usual.”

Gasperini argued that the Gewiss Stadium turf wasn’t ideal today.

“Right now, the pitches aren’t in the best condition,” he admitted.

“Ours is excellent, but playing the ball on the ground at certain times of the year isn’t ideal. However, that’s not the reason for the draw.

“What we all hoped for was a win. The players gave everything to win the game despite the challenges posed by a very strong opponent,” he concluded.

“Every match is extremely balanced, and games are tough. We’re disappointed with the result, but we didn’t lose, and the performance was there. The season is still very long.”