Atalanta clinched a crucial win against Napoli on Sunday, striking back to win 2-1 in matchday 26 of Serie A. Napoli initially took the lead with a header from Sam Beukema in the 17th minute of the first half. However, Atalanta responded decisively, leveling the score with Mario Pasalic’s header in the 60th minute, followed by a second goal from Lazar Samardzic, also via a header, in the 81st minute.
Lazar Samardzic was the standout player of the match, contributing significantly with one goal. Mario Pasalic also played a vital role, not only scoring his goal but also taking three shots on target.
Atalanta’s head coach, Raffaele Palladino, implemented a 3-6-1 formation, starting with Marco Carnesecchi in goal. The defensive line consisted of Giorgio Scalvini, Isak Hien, and Sead Kolasinac, while the midfield boasted Raoul Bellanova, Marten de Roon, Mario Pasalic, Davide Zappacosta, Kamaldeen Sulemana, and Nicola Zalewski. Nikola Krstovic led the attack.
On the other side, Antonio Conte’s Napoli deployed a similar 3-6-1 setup with Vanja Milinkovic Savic guarding the net. The defense included Sam Beukema, Juan Jesus, and Alessandro Buongiorno, while the midfield featured Pasquale Mazzochi, Stanislav Lobotka, Eljif Elmas, Miguel Gutiérrez, Alisson Santos, and Antonio Vergara. Rasmus Hojlund was at the forefront.
The match, officiated by referee Daniele Chiffi, saw Atalanta leave the field with 45 points, placing them seventh in the standings, while Napoli remained third with a total of 50 points.
Next up, Atalanta will travel to face Sassuolo, while Napoli is set to visit Hellas Verona at the Marcantonio Bentegodi stadium.
Atalanta Substitutions
45’ 2H – Kamaldeen Sulemana was replaced by Lazar Samardzic
56’ 2H – Raoul Bellanova made way for Lorenzo Bernasconi
57’ 2H – Nikola Krstovic was substituted for Gianluca Scamacca
68’ 2H – Giorgio Scalvini was replaced by Berat Djimsiti
83’ 2H – Sead Kolasinac came off for Honest Ahanor
Yellow Cards for Atalanta:
41’ 1H – Isak Hien (Unsporting Behavior)
31’ 2H – Nicola Zalewski (Unsporting Behavior)
Napoli Substitutions
62’ 2H – Pasquale Mazzochi was substituted by Leonardo Spinazzola and Miguel Gutiérrez by Matteo Politano
69’ 2H – Antonio Vergara was replaced by Giovane Santana and Juan Jesus by Mathías Olivera
84’ 2H – Alisson Santos made way for Romelu Lukaku
Yellow Card for Napoli:
36’ 1H – Juan Jesus (Unsporting Behavior)