‘Anfield violated’ - Italian media react to Liverpool being ‘annihilated’ by Atalanta

Atalanta put together one of the most competent visiting performances against a Liverpool side managed by Jurgen Klopp in Thursday’s 3-0 Europa League defeat - and the Italian media have let their readers know.

Liverpool were described as being ‘humiliated’ and ‘violated’ by the Serie A club on a rare night that saw the away side blitz Anfield. Former West Ham forward Gianluca Scamacca’s goals in either half and a strike from Mario Pasalic see the Italians take home a 3-0 advantage.

The tie is not quite yet over, though. There is a second leg to play next week and Atalanta have succumbed to 3-0 and 4-0 defeats this season, albeit both away from home. But the hosts nevertheless have a huge lead to protect.

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Correspondents covering the game for Italian outlets went to town on using superlatives to hail Atalanta, and also were not afraid to unfurl damning assessments of Liverpool’s display. Here is what a handful of them wrote in the aftermath.

Anfield ‘violated’ by Atalanta

Stefano Agresti, La Gazzetta dello Sport

"The real feat was achieved by the Nerazzurri, who violated Anfield Road with an unimaginable result: 3-0, even.

"Then it must also be said that success does not give absolute certainty of qualification, because this is Liverpool, one of the strongest teams in the world, and nothing is impossible for them.

"None of this can disturb the joy of Bergamo. The success is historic, and not just for Atalanta: Liverpool might remember [manager Gian Piero] Gasperini as the man who ended the European adventure of the legend Klopp on the Reds bench."

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