‘Referee ruined it’ – Lookman’s coach Gasperini frustrated after Atalanta’s 2-0 loss to Inter

Atalanta coach Gian Piero Gasperini insists his side’s 2-0 defeat to Inter Milan was not a reflection of their quality, but he slammed the referee for “ruining” the match with Ederson’s controversial red card.

Atalanta entered the game knowing a win would put them level on points with Inter and Napoli in the Serie A title race.

However, goals from Carlos Augusto and Lautaro Martínez sealed victory for the Nerazzurri.

The turning point came in the second half when Ederson received a yellow card for dissent, followed immediately by another for sarcastically applauding the referee.

Gasperini, who was later sent off himself, was livid with the decision.

“The red card ruined the game for both teams and everyone watching,” Gasperini told DAZN. “The referee was over the top.

“There were worse incidents earlier that went unpunished. It was unnecessary and spoiled a fascinating contest.”

The game had also been paused for several minutes due to a medical emergency in the stands before Inter’s opening goal from a corner.

Gasperini admitted his team should have been more focused but dismissed it as an excuse.

“We did well on set pieces in the first half, but we lost concentration. When games are this balanced, small moments decide them. Inter are just better than us in these situations,” he added.

The defeat leaves Atalanta’s title hopes in doubt as Inter strengthen their grip at the top of Serie A.