Marino: ‘Atalanta collapse is inexplicable’

Atalanta director Umberto Marino admits their collapse in the second half of the season is ‘inexplicable,’ but there are no doubts on Gian Piero Gasperini’s future at the club.

La Dea visit Spezia at 11.30 UK time (10.30 GMT).

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Serie A Liveblog: Verona-Milan, Spezia-Atalanta, Salernitana-Cagliari, Venezia-Bologna

They are currently in eighth place on 56 points, level with Fiorentina, and risk not qualifying for Europe after three consecutive seasons in the Champions League.

“We have three games and will fight to the end,” Marino told Sky Sport Italia.

“It’s difficult to make predictions, as every round seems to have big surprises. All I can say is we’ll play our cards to the very end.”

Atalanta seemed to crumble in the second half of the season, a complete turnaround to their usual routine of surging in Spring.

“We are all asking ourselves the same questions, from the President to the players. It’s fairly inexplicable and can’t be blamed only on fitness, injuries or anything else. There was certainly a drop in form, but we are still in the running and were on the verge of the Europa League semi-finals this season.”

Marino was asked if he was planning a meeting with coach Gasperini to discuss the future, especially now that Atalanta are under new ownership with the investment of American Stephen Pagliuca.

“There’s nothing to clarify. We are in daily contact with the coach, we are in symbiosis and have continual dialogue.”