Gian Piero Gasperini conceded that Atalanta's lack of fit strikers has cost them in their quest for the Serie A title following their goalless draw against Cagliari on Saturday. 

In a game devoid of clear-cut chances, Atalanta were unable to find a way past the division's 13th-placed side, which saw them stay third in the standings. 

The result was made even more frustrating after leaders Napoli were held to a 2-2 draw with Lazio later on Saturday, with the gap to the summit staying at five points. 

During the contest at Gewiss Stadium, Atalanta were only able to register nine shots, two of which were on target, ending with an expected goals (xG) total of just 0.44. 

Those struggles in the final third have not been helped by the absences of Ademola Lookman, Gianluca Scamacca and Daniel Maldini, who are all out with injuries.

Though Gasperini became only the second manager in Serie A to reach 600 points in the competition with a single team, he was unable to mark the occasion with a win. 

"We could have taken all three points today, but we are currently dealing with a numerical shortage," Gasperini told DAZN.

"We are suffering tremendously from the absence of strikers, but those who alternate in these situations are extraordinary; everyone adapts.

"It's become harder for us to secure wins, especially at home, despite dominating large parts of the game, and that’s how we ended up with this result."

But Atalanta and Gasperini's attentions will already be on their must-win Champions League play-off clash with Club Brugge next Tuesday. 

Gustaf Nilsson's late penalty earned Brugge a slender 2-1 advantage in the tie, with Gasperini aiming to guide the club to the last 16 for the first time since 2020-21. 

"We value this match a lot, especially after how the first leg ended. Brugge have both technical and athletic strength, and we need to score goals," he said.

"Winning the match isn’t enough now, it’s become more complicated with the outcome of that first leg.

"We have to give everything to advance to the next round, a round that, ahead of the first leg, was within our reach."