Empoli welcomed Atalanta to the Stadio Carlo Castellani on February 23, 2025, with both teams aiming to change their recent fortunes. The match not only pitted Atalanta against struggling Empoli, but it also brought their key players and recent performances under the spotlight, setting the stage for what promised to be a gripping encounter.
Following their disappointing exit from the Champions League against Club Brugge, Atalanta was searching for redemption. Manager Gian Piero Gasperini confirmed the return of Ademola Lookman to the starting XI after some controversy surrounding the player’s insistence on taking, and missing, a penalty during the elimination match. Gasperini described Lookman’s previous penalty attempts as “one of the worst penalty takers I’ve ever seen,” indicating the level of scrutiny under which the Nigerian winger finds himself. Nevertheless, Lookman's presence was expected to bolster Atalanta’s attacking strategy, partnering with Charles De Ketelaere and Mateo Retegui upfront.
Empoli, on the other hand, entered the match with their own set of struggles. Having secured only two points from their last eight Serie A outings, the Azzurri had slipped dangerously close to the relegation zone. Under the stewardship of Roberto D'Aversa, Empoli's approach focused on collective discipline and resilience, especially necessary as the team grappled with numerous injuries. Key players like Luca Marianucci were missing, alongside several others, which forced D'Aversa to shuffle his defense. Despite these challenges, the coach emphasized the importance of performance over presence, stating, “This is a compact group. We haven’t won in ten games but we have always complained about the result.”
For the first time, D'Aversa decided to give Christian Kouame his debut start, with Sebastiano Esposito also playing a pivotal role, hoping to capitalize on the uncertainty within Atalanta’s ranks.
Atalanta kicked off the match with considerable confidence, having accumulated 54 goals this season, which places them among the higher-scoring teams of the league. They boasted impressive stats, including five clean sheets and a goal differential of +28, indicating their mastery of both ends of the pitch. Conversely, Empoli struggled defensively, conceding 35 goals with only 22 scored, leaving them with significant room for improvement.
The game began with Atalanta taking charge, displaying relentless energy and intent. Vital to their strategy was their midfield, emphasizing control and fluid ball movement, which allowed them to dominate the possession statistics early on. The game’s tension mounted as Empoli tried to establish their rhythm, seeking to exploit any weaknesses left by Atalanta’s adjustments after the Champions League fallout.
Caught between high expectations and current realities, the moment was tender for both teams, especially with D’Aversa repeating the necessity of battling for every point. “We must think about the fact we have made some mistakes, but we’ll work to remedy those,” he remarked, hoping to reflect this determination on the pitch.
The players provided entertainment, with skillful runs and attempts to break the opposing defensive lines. During the first half, Empoli had opportunities—but often found themselves thwarted by Atalanta’s sturdy backline and agile goalkeeper Marco Carnesecchi, who has been instrumental season-long, holding onto his save percentage at 73.2%.
Atalanta's midfield stood out, with Hans Hateboer and Marten de Roon controlling the pace of the game. De Roon, known for his tireless work ethic, commanded the middle of the pitch, winning tackles and facilitating transitions. This relentless energy exemplified Atalanta’s ambition to maintain their hopes for the Scudetto. Despite their earlier setbacks, the team believed they could secure regular points to stay competitive as the season progressed.
Approaching the second half, both teams knew the importance of adjusting tactics. With Empoli trailing, they had no option but to push more offensively, risking their already foundered defense, as D’Aversa urged his players to display resilience. “We must show utmost respect,” he added before the match, emphasizing the caliber of their opponents.
The pivotal moment came when Atalanta struck first, sending the visiting fans to their feet. The goal came from Retegui, who had been yearning to make his mark against fiercely competitive defenses all season. Retegui's strike, characterized by both precision and placement, highlighted his developing synergy with teammates who were eager for redemption after their previous match.
Empoli, galvanized by their home support, didn’t back down. They responded with vigor, launching attacks fueled by determination as their players rushed up the flanks. Esposito and Kouame made notable attempts to shift momentum back, but they faced relentless pressure as Atalanta’s defense absorbed the thrust without yielding the goal.
Although Empoli made every effort to alter the game's course, Atalanta’s tactical discipline and experience shone through, allowing them to maintain their lead and secure the three points. The match concluded with Atalanta leaving the field with their heads held high, hopeful to build momentum from this victory as they press forward, intent on reclaiming their place among Italy’s best.
For Empoli, the result continued their troubled run, relegation concerns palpable as they head back to the drawing board. D’Aversa’s philosophy of collective resilience will be tested, with players expected to rally and change their fortunes as the season goes on.
This encounter was more than just three points; it was about stories, emotions, and the enduring spirit of football, reminding everyone involved of both the joys and challenges of this beautiful game.