Atalanta's impressive run continued on Sunday as they secured a thrilling 3-2 comeback victory over Empoli at the Gewiss Stadium. This match marked the 11th consecutive win for Gian Piero Gasperini’s side, allowing them to move two points clear at the top of the Serie A standings, just before the Christmas break.
The contest got off to a surprising start. Empoli took the lead as early as the 12th minute when Lorenzo Colombo capitalized on Atalanta’s defensive frailty to find the back of the net with relative ease. The hosts, eager to maintain their winning streak, responded aggressively but found themselves frustrated by Empoli's resolute defense for much of the first half.
Atalanta began to assert their dominance as the match progressed, and their persistence paid off midway through the first half. Charles De Ketelaere equalized at the 34-minute mark, getting on the end of Davide Zappacosta’s precise cross to nod the ball home. With the crowd at the Gewiss Stadium roaring their approval, the Belgian forward renewed Atalanta's hope of turning the match around.
Before the whistle for halftime, Atalanta edged ahead as Ademola Lookman, fresh off being named the African Player of the Year, struck just before the break. His deft finish from close range came after controlling the ball well, putting Atalanta 2-1 up going to halftime. It was the perfect response from the hosts, showcasing their resilience and attacking prowess.
Still riding high on their first-half momentum, Atalanta returned to the pitch with the same intensity. They threatened to extend their lead twice shortly after the second half resumed, as both De Ketelaere and Éderson came close, but their shots skimmed the posts, leaving the scoreline tantalizingly close yet frustratingly unchanged.
Empoli, demonstrating their determination, found their footing as the second half progressed. They were awarded a penalty kick after VAR intervention signaled a foul by Berat Djimsiti on Alberto Grassi. Sebastiano Esposito stepped up to take the spot-kick and converted it coolly, leveling the score at 2-2 just twelve minutes after halftime.
With time running out and the match appearing destined for a draw, Atalanta's composure was tested. Just when fans were beginning to worry about letting two points slip away, De Ketelaere emerged as the hero once more, scoring the decisive goal to make it 3-2. His brilliant run past three defenders culminated with a well-placed shot to the bottom left corner, sending the Gewiss Stadium faithful back to their feet. This dramatic winner came at the 86-minute mark, allowing Atalanta to celebrate their hard-fought victory.
After the match, Gasperini reflected on his team's performance, noting, "We came back against a team who played well. The two goals conceded were due entirely to lapses of concentration and elements of VAR assessment. Winning this match was immensely rewarding." He also praised De Ketelaere, highlighting his progress, saying: "He gained confidence and improved his heading ability, as he displayed today. His second goal was truly extraordinary, originating from wide play."
This victory places Atalanta firmly at the pinnacle of Serie A, presenting them as serious contenders for the Scudetto title this season. Their 13th consecutive win clearly reflects their strength, with De Ketelaere achieving his fifth league goal of the season, alongside 10 goals from Lookman and 14 from Mateo Retegui, demonstrating the depth of their attacking options.
Atalanta finished the calendar year with remarkable statistics, recording 19 home victories, more than any other team across Europe's top five leagues. They have shown resilience and skill, outscoring opponents and setting records along the way.
Despite the positive ending, the match was not without its concerns. Mateo Retegui, who has been sensational this season, limped off the pitch early after suffering what appeared to be a muscular injury, raising questions about his availability for the upcoming fixtures. Atalanta will need to keep their squad fit and healthy going forward as they hope to maintain their dominant form when the league resumes.
With the Champions League aspirations set high and local rivals pushing forward, Atalanta's fans will be eager to see if their team can sustain this momentum in the New Year. For now, the Bergamo side heads to the festive season on top, celebrating what has been, up to this point, their best league showing since the club's inception.
