Atalanta ended the match against Fiorentina with a 2-2 draw, leaving the club in a position to reflect on their defensive performance. After the match, Lorenzo Bernasconi, central defender, spoke to DAZN to explain the difficulties encountered in the second half and to highlight the need to improve defensive continuity.
In his speech, Bernasconi highlighted that the team conceded two goals immediately after the start of the second half, a moment that reminded coach Gian Piero Sarri of the match against Frosinone, in which the defense showed weaknesses. "We must no longer go in like this; it was like against Frosinone. It's not good," he said, highlighting the importance of maintaining concentration from the start of the second half. The player then spoke about the difficulties of maintaining a stable defensive line due to numerous injuries, stating that "it's difficult because we lose pieces, but we can't find alibis. Whoever comes in and whoever plays must give 100%."
Bernasconi also illustrated how the four-man line, adopted by the coach, allows him to play a more dynamic role in the attacking phase, leaving him free to contribute to the attack when the team goes into the pressure phase. "With the four-man line it helps me grow a lot and makes me do a lot of defensive tasks. When we attack it leaves me free to do what I can," he explained, making it clear how Sarri's tactics are trying to make the most of the individual qualities of the players.
The club, which recently decided to keep Bernasconi in the team rather than loan him out, continues to focus on a young and ambitious approach. The defender, born in Atalanta's youth sector, has expressed his desire to play in Europe as a source of pride for himself and the team. “Playing in Europe is a pride for us who come from the youth sector,” he said, underlining the importance of achieving high-level goals for the club's reputation.
With the draw against Fiorentina, Atalanta now finds itself reflecting on defensive issues and looking for solutions to consolidate the line. It will be essential that the players return to giving 100% in all matches, especially in view of the upcoming Serie A and European competitions. The club will therefore have to work on greater defensive cohesion and a more consistent approach to prevent the team from losing points at critical moments.