'Diving is killing football', says Gasperini ahead of Brugge second leg

Gasperini watched on as Mario Pasalic cancelled out Ferran Jutgla's 15th-minute opener, with the tie looking set to end all square heading into Tuesday's second leg.

However, in the fourth minute of second-half stoppage time, Brugge won a soft penalty when Gustaf Nilsson was fouled inside the box by Isak Hien.

Nilsson stepped up to convert the spot-kick, condemning Atalanta to their first defeat in 15 away games in European competition (W8 D6 previously).

Gasperini was left furious after the defeat at Jan Breydelstadion, and also criticised VAR decisions following a 1-1 draw against Torino in Serie A earlier this month.

The Italian top-flight have proposed a system that allows managers to challenge VAR decisions, but Gasperini said that he was not in favour of the idea.

"I am against this solution because it would slow down the game even more, which is already very slow by virtue of the many whistles that are blown," Gasperini told Sky Sports ahead of Tuesday's return leg with Brugge.

"It would increase the controversy even more. There are four referees, three at VAR and that seems like a lot to me.

"Simulations must be fought, because they kill football. These are things that can knock you out, and you have to be clear about contact. Technology must also give answers and take responsibility for making judgements."

Gasperini spoke of his frustration about a lack of striking options as his side's title hopes were dented following a 0-0 draw with Cagliari last Saturday.

In a game devoid of clear-cut chances, Atalanta were unable to find a way past the division's 14th-placed side, which saw them stay third in the standings.

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.

Gasperini, however, was hopeful that Lookman, who has scored 14 goals in 27 appearances across all competitions this season, could be used at some stage on Tuesday.

The Nigerian has netted four times in the Champions League this season, but has missed the last six games with a knee injury.

"We happened to have Lookman out in this period, which coincided with fewer goals, and we lacked something in the attacking phase," Gasperini said.