Gian Piero Gasperini insists Atalanta "must not get discouraged", despite seeing their Scudetto hopes dented by lowly Venezia.

La Dea missed the chance to provisionally move level on points with Serie A leaders Inter following a goalless draw with their 19th-place opponents at Gewiss Stadium.

Davide Zappacosta and Juan Cuadrado struck the woodwork during the first half, while Mateo Retegui fired over from close range shortly after the break.

Gasperini acknowledged it was a missed opportunity for Atalanta, but insisted all his players are "pushing to the limit".

"This is football, there's little to reproach," he told reporters during his post-match press conference. "The lads did everything they could. Venezia are a tough team, they didn't allow us to maintain a consistent rhythm.

"If you don't break the deadlock, you always run a risk. At home, they take more chances. We also wasted some opportunities. We created several opportunities. But right now, we're less precise.

"These lads must not get discouraged, this is football. Serie A matches are always like this. Right now, everyone is pushing to the limit."