De Zerbi on controversial Atalanta winner in Marseille: ‘It hurts’
Olympique Marseille coach Roberto De Zerbi tried to be diplomatic after the controversial defeat to Atalanta, with the chaos of that penalty appeal leading into winning goal.
La Dea had their fair share of bad luck too in this match at the Stade Velodrome, as Charles De Ketelaere had a penalty parried by Geronimo Rulli and an Ademola Lookman goal was disallowed over the earlier Nikola Krstovic offside position.
The problems really erupted at the 90th minute, when Ederson fell during a clearance and kicked the ball onto his own arm, but while Marseille were protesting, Atalanta went on the counter and Lazar Samardzic scored the winner.
An incredible sequence in the last minute here in Marseille, as Samardzic puts Atalanta ahead with a screamer – but Marseille aren’t happy as they feel they should have a penalty at the other end
Goal given! And Atalanta lead!
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— Football on TNT Sports (@footballontnt) November 5, 2025
De Zerbi maintains impressive calm
“I don’t know the rules exactly, but I know that if he doesn’t hit it with his arm, then the ball will land nicely for Aubameyang,” De Zerbi told Sky Sport Italia.
“It’s especially disappointing because we conceded a penalty against Real Madrid that was very similar to this. It is the fourth Champions League game this season, we lost three in chaotic circumstances.”
Olympique Marseille have reason for complaint, because the penalty awarded to Real Madrid was very controversial and also given for a handling offence that seemed to be unintentional, with congruent movement of the arm.
“I realise Atalanta are a very strong team, and that we struggled in the first 20 minutes, but it hurts because I don’t think we deserved to lose,” continued De Zerbi.
“We have some problems right now, there are eight players injured and one suspended. Aside from the first 20 minutes, we did well, facing an experienced and strong Atalanta side that won the Europa League with many of these players.”
De Zerbi had been booked for waving his tablet at the referee, urging the official to see the footage again on the touchline.
The VAR evaluated the footage and decided against recommending an On-Field Review for the handball.