Late win over Empoli continues Atalanta’s ‘wonderful year’
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Atalanta's Charles de Ketelaere celebrating the first of his two goals in the 3-2 Serie A win over Empoli on Dec 22.
PHOTO: EPA-EFE
BERGAMO – Two goals from Charles de Ketelaere continued “a wonderful year” for Atalanta, as his late winner helped secure a 3-2 victory over mid-table Empoli and send his side back to the top of Serie A on Dec 22.
The Belgian weaved his way to the edge of the box four minutes from time, skilfully holding off defenders before drilling a low shot into the bottom corner to earn the points at the Stadio Atleti Azzurri d’Italia.
Atalanta now lead the table on 40 points, two ahead of Napoli, who won 2-1 at Genoa on Dec 21, and six in front of Inter Milan, who have two games in hand, and Lazio.
Gian Piero Gasperini’s Atalanta side look unstoppable. With 11 Serie A wins in a row, and 13 in total, they have the most in the big five European leagues this season.
Said Gasperini: “It’s been a wonderful year, we’re sorry it’s ending. Let’s hope that 2025 will be just as good.
“Beyond the results, I’m very happy with the spirit that there is in this team.”
In 2024, La Dea won the Europa League, the biggest title in their history, were runners-up in the Coppa Italia and finished fourth in Serie A.
The Atalanta coach was also full of praise for the 23-year-old de Ketelaere, saying: “He gained confidence and improved his heading ability, as he showed today. The second goal is truly extraordinary, coming from a wide position.”
Lorenzo Colombo stunned the hosts after 13 minutes, giving Empoli the lead with a volley, capitalising on Liam Henderson’s cross from the byeline that took Atalanta’s defence by surprise.
However, the hosts showed why they are fighting for the title as de Ketelaere equalised after 34 minutes with a diving header into the bottom corner.
Ademola Lookman sealed Atalanta’s first-half comeback in stoppage time, expertly bringing the ball down inside the box with his thigh before calmly slotting home.
Despite Atalanta’s pressure, Empoli equalised three minutes before the hour with a penalty by Sebastiano Esposito after Berat Djimsiti brought down Alberto Grassi.
But de Ketelaere’s late goal sealed the win for Gasperini’s team, who next visit fourth-placed Lazio on Dec 28.
“Today we suffered a bit, but always after goals we reacted and tried to win,” the scorer said. “We always try to win games, we are first and next time we try to win.
“It’s December and it’s not even over yet. We are happy where we are, but every game is difficult and we continue.”
In the later match, Juventus secured a 2-1 victory at Monza, resulting in the home side announcing on Dec 23 that they have sacked manager Alessandro Nesta. Monza are bottom of the standings, having won just one league game this season. REUTERS, AFP
