Napoli vs Atalanta Review
Atalanta closed the gap to league leaders Napoli in Serie A, winning 3-0 at the Stadio Diego Armando Maradona and marking their fifth consecutive league victory. Before the match, Napoli had been nearly unbeatable this season, allowing only five goals in their first 10 Serie A games, which made them the top defensive team in the league.
However, Atalanta boasts the highest scoring offense in the Italian top division, and their attackers, especially Ademola Lookman, dominated the first half. Although Romelu Lukaku had the first shot on target with a weak header that was easily saved by Marco Carnesecchi, it was Lookman who opened the scoring for Atalanta, striking a close-range volley into the bottom corner after a flick-on from Charles De Ketelaere.
Scott McTominay was unfortunate not to score just moments later when his powerful shot from outside the box hit the crossbar, marking the closest Napoli came to scoring during a lackluster first half. Instead, La Dea increased their lead, with Lookman once again shining. However, Alex Meret should have done better than to deflect the 27-year-old’s curling shot into the bottom corner.
Just before halftime, Mario Pašalić nearly made it three but failed to connect with De Ketelaere’s tempting cross. Napoli supporters might have anticipated a strong response from the Partenopei after the break, but the reality was quite the opposite. Antonio Conte’s team struggled to make an impact, while Atalanta appeared more likely to score again, with Lookman missing a chance when he hit the side netting during a quick counterattack.
Ultimately, it was a calm afternoon for Gian Paolo Giasperini and his team, who further enhanced their victory when substitute Mateo Retegui, unexpectedly omitted from the starting lineup, scored his league-leading 11th goal during injury time. Atalanta is now firmly in the title race following such a strong performance against one of Serie A’s top teams. On the other hand, Napoli suffered their first defeat in 10 matches, and it is the lackluster manner in which they played in the second half that will concern Conte the most. The Azzurri face a tough challenge ahead as they prepare to visit reigning champions Inter Milan next week, just before the international break.
