Fonseca: We didn't perform

The Giallorossi's unbeaten start to the season came to an end at the Stadio Olimpico, after second half goals from Duvan Zapata and Marten De Roon.

Unfortunately, the team has fallen to defeat for the first time this season. How would you analyse the game?

"They deserved the win and we didn't produce a good performance. We found it difficult to deal with their man-marking all over the pitch and weren't able to get our passing game going. It was a very tough match and although we did have our chances, we were never in control. Atalanta were the better side."

The team underwent a change to the system in the first half. Why did you make that choice?

"I thought I would change the system because I felt it was the best solution to counteract Atalanta and their forwards' aggressive style. We were ready for both situations, but we struggled at the start of the contest. After changing the team, we were more reassured, but we didn't do what we'd planned in the second half. Their goals came from us losing the ball during our build-up play. We did well defensively, but we dropped too deep and didn't manage to apply a good press."

Do you regret the missed chances?

"We did have some chances and it would've been a different game if we'd scored, but we have to be honest: we didn't play well. We didn't get the win, but tomorrow is another day. We have to keep working hard and learning because it's a long and hard season."

Did the change to a back three in the first half make it difficult for your team?

"We knew how dangerous the Atalanta players were and we had considered how to block them out. The issue is that we didn't keep possession well. When we tried to play our game, we lost the ball. We didn't manage to find Dzeko enough and he was our best option for building attacks."

Why was it so difficult for your midfielders to get their passing game going?

"Atalanta deserve credit. They pressed our midfielders very well and man-marked us all over the pitch. We just didn't manage to find the solution to deal with that."