Atalanta Dominates Cesena With Convincing 6-1 Cup Victory
Atalanta secured their spot in the quarter-finals of the Coppa Italia with a resounding 6-1 win over Serie B side Cesena on December 18, 2024, at the Atleti Azzurri d'Italia stadium. The match showcased Atalanta's firepower as they demonstrated skill and intensity from the opening whistle.
The evening was bright for Atalanta, as early as the fourth minute, Davide Zappacosta opened the scoring with a well-placed shot after executing a neat exchange with Charles De Ketelaere and Berat Djimsiti. Before many fans had found their seats, Zappacosta found the net, putting Atalanta on the front foot.
Only three minutes later, De Ketelaere extended the lead, weaving through Cesena's defense with finesse. He received the ball back from Mateo Retegui, found space, and fired from 18 yards, perfectly placing it in the bottom corner. De Ketelaere's exceptional form has made him the key playmaker for Atalanta this season, and he was not done yet.
By the 26th minute, Atalanta’s Lazar Samardzic made it 3-0, completing the move he started just moments earlier. After receiving the ball from Mario Pasalic, Samardzic beat his defender and sent the ball looping over the goalkeeper, aided by a deflection.
Atalanta’s fourth goal, scored by Retegui close to half-time, came from another slick passing sequence, culminating with De Ketelaere scrambling the ball home from the six-yard box. Marco Brescianini, unmarked after Atalanta executed a clever free-kick routine, converted their fifth goal from close range just after the break, indicating Cesena's defensive vulnerabilities.
Samardzic added his second goal of the night by the 71st minute, hammering home after receiving the ball from Nicolo Zaniolo. The game felt well and truly over as Atalanta showcased their attacking prowess, leaving Cesena struggling to keep up.
Despite the lopsided scoreline, Cesena found some respite late on. A slip-up from Atalanta allowed Joseph Ceesay to score a consolation goal, rounding off goalkeeper Rui Patricio after being set through by Sydney van Hooijdonk’s assist. This goal added some gloss to the scoreboard and ensured Cesena left the field with something to show for their efforts.
After this emphatic victory, Atalanta will face Bologna away from home for the quarter-finals, scheduled for February 5, 2025. Coach Gian Piero Gasperini will look to carry this momentum forward as Atalanta aims for cup success, having fielded many of his first-choice players, with only the African player of the year, Ademola Lookman, missing from the lineup due to injury.
With the win, Atalanta continues to build on their formidable Serie A campaign, where they have already claimed the top spot with 12 wins, 1 draw, and 3 losses, scoring 39 goals and conceding only 17. The team is displaying impressive form, enjoying their 10th consecutive league victory.
On the other hand, Cesena, currently fifth in Serie B, has displayed glimpses of promise during their campaign. Although they showed signs of resilience, they could not withstand Atalanta’s relentless offense during this knockout round.
This clash is sure to reaffirm Atalanta’s status as one of Italy's premier football clubs, illustrating their ability to dominate lower league opposition and maintain their ambitions for both domestic and European success this season.
