Charles De Ketelaere put Atalanta ahead in the 41st minute, finishing a move created by Nicola Zalewski. Fiorentina equalised through Alieu Njie in the 53rd minute before João Mário put the hosts ahead eight minutes later.
Fiorentina equalised through Njie in the 53rd minute before João Mário put the hosts ahead eight minutes later. Zalewski restored parity for Atalanta in the 74th minute, leaving both sides with a point.
Atalanta coach Maurizio Sarri was pleased with the quality of the contest, particularly given the difficulties both teams have experienced.
“For two teams in difficulty, I saw a good match. Fiorentina were better at the beginning, then we created the conditions to score. Given the moment we are going through, that is a lot,” Sarri said.
He was also asked about the number of injuries affecting his squad, including those suffered by Kristensen and Gaetano.
“Preparation? It makes me laugh. Over the last month we have had 21 days of international football, and this is our sixth match in three days. Preparation has not really existed. We have found ourselves with a restricted squad, and the same players keep playing and getting injured.”
Sarri felt the circumstances surrounding the second half had made the game unusual, while acknowledging Fiorentina's contribution.
“The approach in the first half was also down to our opponents. The second-half approach was unusual, partly because of the referee's injury. When they attacked towards the Curva Fiesole, they also had greater momentum.”
Asked whether the point represented a gain or two points dropped, Sarri replied: “Who knows? At a certain point, anything could have happened. After the 2-2 we could even have won it, but I think both teams have to accept the result and be pleased with the performance. The fans were not bored tonight.”
Fiorentina coach Paolo Vanoli, however, was more concerned by his side's defensive shortcomings.
“The goals are a problem and we are trying to solve it. Injuries are also not helping because they force us into so many changes. The problem is the team's attitude. We cannot concede two goals in that manner,” he said.
“João? On the first goal, De Ketelaere leaves Ndour behind, and on the second Zalewski was allowed to shoot too easily. We need more defensive mentality. The performance was great, but we have to finish the job.”
Vanoli also defended his young players, explaining that Oulai needed time to develop, while praising João Mário for making the most of his opportunity. He insisted the squad was improving, but added: “I am sorry for the players because I see them working in training and wanting to give the supporters some joy. Sometimes things do not happen because we try to do too much.”