Charles De Ketelaere scored twice to earn Serie A leaders Atalanta an enormous 3-2 conquer Empoli to maneuver two factors away from Napoli on the summit of the standings.
De Ketelaere netted a dramatic 86th minute winner, incomes Gian Piero Gasperini’s facet a thirteenth dwelling win of the season, greater than any workforce in Europe’s prime 5 leagues.
However Atalanta discovered themselves behind early on when Lorenzo Colombo completed past Marco Carnesecchi, scoring his tenth away league purpose in 2024.
Nevertheless, parity was restored simply previous the half-hour mark when De Ketelaere headed dwelling after being picked out by Davide Zappacosta’s teasing supply.
Atalanta then took the lead in first half stoppage time when the not too long ago topped African Footballer of the Yr, Ademola Lookman, who coolly slotted in from shut vary.
However Empoli dragged themselves degree within the 57th minute courtesy of Sebastiano Esposito’s penalty after Alberto Grassi was introduced down contained in the field by Berat Djimsiti.
And with the sport wanting set to finish degree, De Ketelaere danced his manner into the realm earlier than drilling a low shot into the underside nook to earn his facet the win.
“We got here again towards a workforce that performed effectively,” Gasperini informed Sky Italia.
“The 2 objectives conceded have been resulting from a lapse in focus and a penalty given by VAR. Successful it (the match) was an awesome achievement.”
The Atalanta coach was additionally stuffed with reward for match-winner De Ketelaere, saying: “He gained confidence and improved his heading skill, as he confirmed immediately.
“The second purpose is really extraordinary, coming from a large place.”
Knowledge Debrief: House comforts
Gasperini’s facet have been the standout performers in Serie A this time period, with their newest triumph having them dreaming of successful a maiden Scudetto title.
And their spectacular type has been constructed on the Gewiss Stadium. Atalanta have now recorded their finest tally of dwelling wins in a single calendar yr since 1929-30 (19), whereas additionally attaining their highest objectives tally (124) since that very same marketing campaign 95 years in the past (126).
They’ve additionally gained 11 video games in a row for the primary time of their historical past in Serie A. The final two groups that gained 11 consecutive video games went on to win the competitors (Napoli in 2022-23 and Inter in 2020-21).
And their success this season has been helped by their star entrance line. In Mateo Retegui (14), Lookman (12) and De Ketelaere (10), Atalanta are the one workforce with three gamers to have scored not less than 10 objectives this season in Europe’s prime 5 leagues.
