Atalanta coach Gian Piero Gasperini was left delighted with victory over Sampdoria.

Joakim Maehle and Ademola Lookman scored in the 2-0 win.

“This is a bit of a strange season, as until mid-November games were played without really looking at the table, as we felt the campaign would really begin after Christmas," Gasperini told Sky Italia.

“Once we did look at the table, we saw the position really wasn't that bad, so we put in a bit more determination and you can see there is more focus and concentration from the team now.

“These games seem easy on paper, but they are difficult, because Sampdoria defend very well and closed off all the spaces. We also ran a big risk early on, so we had to play as a team, with quality and focus.

“Sampdoria didn't give up to the very end and kept it open until the 90th minute."