Atalanta secured a thrilling 3-2 victory over Empoli at the Gewiss Stadium on December 22, 2024, marking their 11th consecutive win and reinforcing their position at the top of Serie A. The atmosphere was electric as the home team showcased resilience against a formidable Empoli side.
The match started on the wrong foot for Atalanta when Empoli's Lorenzo Colombo put the visitors ahead just 13 minutes in. Colombo capitalized on quick thinking with a throw-in, catching Atalanta's defense off-guard. To make matters worse for Atalanta, Mateo Retegui had to leave the pitch due to what appeared to be a left thigh injury shortly after, bringing Nicolo Zaniolo on as his replacement.
Despite these setbacks, Atalanta showed their tenacity as Charles De Ketelaere equalized just past the half-hour mark with a stunning far-post header, connecting perfectly with Davide Zappacosta's cross. This goal reignited hopes for the home team, who were hungry to maintain their winning streak.
Just before the halftime whistle, Ademola Lookman, who was recently awarded the African Footballer of the Year, edged Atalanta ahead with his adept finishing, converting Zaniolo’s precise set-up to make it 2-1 going to the break.
Atalanta appeared to have control, but the second half brought fresh drama. Empoli was awarded a penalty after VAR confirmed Alberto Grassi was fouled by Berat Djimsiti. Sebastiano Esposito stepped up and deftly converted, leveling the match at 2-2.
With the clock ticking down, the game seemed destined for a draw until De Ketelaere came alive once again. He orchestrated a brilliant solo run, dancing around three defenders before unleashing a powerful shot from the edge of the box. The ball flew past the Empoli goalkeeper and rattled the net, sending the home crowd and his teammates wild with celebration as Atalanta clinched the win with just four minutes left on the clock.
After the match, De Ketelaere reflected on the hard-fought victory, stating, "It was a complicated game against a very good team like Empoli... That is the sign of a great team." His performance, including two goals, brought his season tally to 10 goals and nine assists across all competitions, showcasing the impact he has had since joining Atalanta.
Atalanta’s coach Gian Piero Gasperini was equally elated with the team's perseverance. "We came back against a team... Winning it (the match) was a great achievement," he remarked. Gasperini also praised De Ketelaere's improvement, noting, "He gained confidence and improved his heading ability, as he showed today. The second goal is truly extraordinary, coming from a wide position.
With this victory, Atalanta solidifies its position at the top of the Serie A standings, two points clear of Napoli, who won their last match against Genoa. They will enter the Christmas break with the hopes of continuing to build on their success as they face Lazio, another strong contender, later this month.
The victory not only extends Atalanta’s winning streak but also marks their best home record since the 1929-30 season, with aspirations for the elusive Serie A title still very much alive. "It's been a wonderful year - we're sorry it's ending. Let's hope 2025 will be just as good," said Gasperini, hinting at ambitious goals for the new year.
Atalanta must continue treating each match like it’s a battle, as their form has shown promise of potential history. The fans, energized by the team's current form, look forward to what lies next for La Dea as they aim to turn their fantastic run of form this season potentially culminating in their first Serie A title.
