Atalanta star gives blunt Chelsea verdict after Champions League loss - 'Wasn't deserved'

Gianluca Scamacca believes Chelsea were fortunate to even be ahead against Atalanta on Tuesday in their 2-1 defeat in the Champions League

Atalanta striker Gianluca Scamacca thinks his team were worthy winners against Chelsea on Tuesday and that the Blues were fortunate to even be ahead in the game at all.

Chelsea took a first-half lead through Joao Pedro, who converted Reece James' precise cross. The Serie A outfit roared back in the second period though, as goals from Scamacca and Charles De Ketelaere saw them eventually earn a 2-1 win.

Speaking to his club's in-house media (h/t Chelsea Chronicle), Scamacca, who used to play for Chelsea's London rivals West Ham, said he was confident his team would turn things around.

"Looking back, especially at the end of the first half, we knew their lead wasn't deserved," he said.

"The game was very balanced and we were playing well. So we knew, we were sure, that we just had to stay on that path and a goal would come."

The defeat continues a frustrating recent run of results for Chelsea, who appeared to be finding their groove when they beat Barcelona last month.

After a creditable draw with Arsenal, in which Moises Caicedo was sent off in the first half, they have lost to Leeds, were held to a 0-0 draw at AFC Bournemouth and were then beaten again in Bergamo.

While Scamacca was apparently not overly impressed with what Chelsea had to offer, Atalanta head coach Raffaele Palladino had plenty of positive words for opposite number Enzo Maresca and his team.

"We played against a very strong opponent," he said to Sky Sport Italia (h/t Chelsea Chronicle). "I was impressed by their technical quality and pace. This gives extra value to our victory and confirms what we are worth too."

Next up for Chelsea is a home clash with in-form Everton. David Moyes' side have won four of their last five matches without conceding and could leap above the Blues if they were to win at Stamford Bridge on Saturday.

Chelsea do have a strong record against their upcoming opponents though. Everton have not tasted victory in the Premier League at Stamford Bridge for 31 years.