Lazio coach Simone Inzaghi defended his players after their 4-1 thrashing by Atalanta.

Papu Gomez scored twice, with Hans Hateboer and Robin Gosens also getting on the scoresheet for the visitors. Felipe Caicedo struck Lazio's goal.

“The lads played their game, we just failed to step up in the decisive moments of the match," Inzaghi told Sky Sport Italia.

“We wasted a chance on 0-0 and another when we were two down, without forgetting the Ciro Immobile opportunity that hit the side-netting.

“The 4-1 result is not a fair reflection of the game, as Lazio had 10 attempts on goal and scored once, whereas Atalanta scored four out of five."

He added: “It would've helped if we didn't have Atalanta and Inter as two of our first three games. We've got to push ourselves beyond the emergency situation we are in."