Ivan Juric “did not expect us to be playing at this level so early,” as Hellas Verona pushed Atalanta all the way in a 3-2 defeat.
The visitors had taken the lead twice through Samuel Di Carmine, but after Pawel Dawidowicz saw red, they capitulated in stoppages.
“I think we put in a very good performance, but lacked something in terms of experience and were naïve in crucial situations,” the coach told Sky Sport Italia.
“I am pleased with the way we approached the game against Atalanta, but we gifted them some goals. To be perfectly honest, I did not expect us to be playing at this level so early in the season. Nonetheless, we have much to improve if we want to bring points home.
“We wanted since pre-season to be aggressive, positive and push the wing-backs forward. Our belief in ourselves and this approach will not change, it’s just disappointing we didn’t get the points that this performance warranted.”
It is no coincidence that Verona are similar to Atalanta in their playing style, seeing as Juric worked with Gian Piero Gasperini as both a player and an assistant manager.
“He is the best. The work he has done with Atalanta is marvellous. I’ve been fortunate enough to work with him and stolen a few ideas.”