Gian Piero Gasperini was proud of his Atalanta players in their 5-1 Champions League defeat at Manchester City.
Ruslan Malinovskyi had put them in front at the Etihad from the penalty spot, but a Sergio Aguero brace turned it around before Raheem Sterling's hat-trick.
I am a little disappointed with the penalty. It would've been tough anyway, but we had started well, taken the lead and could've held on to that for a little longer," Gasperini told Sky Sport Italia.
Manchester City are strong and showed it, but we let our heads drop too quickly and the penalty was avoidable. When Manchester City have space to run into, they're unstoppable.
It was important that we kept pushing, we could've scored another couple of goals and it is all part of the growth process for this team.
I had hoped to make the game last longer, as we conceded avoidable goals."
There were over 2,800 Atalanta fans in Manchester and they never stopped singing throughout.
As I've always said, we take everything positive from this tournament and we will emerge together from the club to players and fans stronger, with more experience and knowledge."
