In a thrilling encounter in the Serie C playoffs, Atalanta Under 23 turned the tables on AlbinoLeffe with a stunning 3-1 comeback victory at the AlbinoLeffe Stadium in Zanica. The match, held on May 7, 2025, started with AlbinoLeffe taking the lead, but Atalanta's second-half performance was nothing short of spectacular.
AlbinoLeffe struck first in the 25th minute when Zoma found the back of the net, putting the home side ahead 1-0. Zoma, who has been a standout player this season, showcased his skill in a well-executed counterattack, and his goal was confirmed by VAR, marking his third goal against Atalanta in their three encounters this season.
However, the tide turned dramatically after halftime. Atalanta, who had struggled in the first half, came out with renewed energy and determination. Vlahovic, the top scorer in Serie C with 22 goals this season, equalized for Atalanta in the 30th minute of the second half, sending the visiting fans into a frenzy.
Following Vlahovic's equalizer, Atalanta continued to press forward. Ceresoli scored in the 41st minute, giving Atalanta a 2-1 lead, and just before the final whistle, Vavassori sealed the victory with a goal in the 46th minute, making it 3-1. This victory marked Atalanta's ninth win in their last twelve matches against AlbinoLeffe, highlighting their dominance in this derby.
Despite the loss, AlbinoLeffe had a commendable season, finishing fourth in the league standings with 60 points, while Atalanta ended in eighth place with 57 points. The match also featured a significant age difference in the starting lineups, with a staggering 49 years separating the players on the field, showcasing the experience of AlbinoLeffe's squad.
AlbinoLeffe's goalkeeper, Marietta, delivered an impressive performance, making at least three crucial saves to keep his team in the game, but ultimately, it wasn't enough to withstand the onslaught from Atalanta's attack.
As the match concluded, the atmosphere was electric, with 1,371 spectators witnessing the intense playoff battle. The presence of Atalanta's star player Marten de Roon in the stands added to the excitement of the occasion.
Looking ahead, Atalanta now advances in the Serie C playoffs and will face one of five potential opponents in the first round of the national phase on Sunday, May 11, 2025. The possible teams they could encounter include Feralpisalò, Torres, Monopoli, Pescara, and Rimini. This upcoming match promises to be another thrilling contest as Atalanta continues their quest for promotion.
On the other hand, AlbinoLeffe, under the guidance of coach Gianfranco Andreoletti, can take pride in their performance this season. The club has established a solid foundation for the future, and every playoff appearance is considered a remarkable achievement for the blucelesti.
This playoff match not only showcased the competitive spirit of Serie C but also highlighted the potential of young talents in both teams. As the playoffs progress, fans will be eager to see how these teams adapt and rise to the challenge ahead.
