Atalanta coach Gasperini accepts Coppa final defeat

Atalanta coach Gian Piero Gasperini had no complaints after their Coppa Italia final defeat to Juventus.

Dusan Vlahovic struck early for Juve's 1-0 win.

"We were up against a strong opponent that took an early lead and defended very well. I think Atalanta played well, we held the initiative for long periods and could not create many scoring opportunities, but still had the chances to turn it around," Gasperini told Sport Mediaset.

I don't think Atalanta played badly, not at all. Our opponents certainly did not do more than us on the night to win it.

We are disappointed, but not so let down by this match. We played our game, it is a narrow defeat and naturally we are said, but we have important objectives still to be achieved in Serie A and the Europa League.

We'll get Scamacca back, but losing De Roon with Kolasinac already out is a problem. I am above all sad for the players, because without doubt we lose a lot without certain individuals."

He added, "Obviously, once they take the lead, Juve know how to defend very well and it is difficult to open up spaces. A few more opened up after the break, also because we pressured them constantly, but these are always balanced games where one incident can make the difference.

"I maintain Atalanta played well against a Juventus team that I consider to be strong and we allowed very few counter-attacks in the circumstances. There was the very real risk of more counter-attacks, but I don't really remember many dangerous situations."