- Lookman’s Atalanta extended their unbeaten run to ten matches, overcoming Udinese 2-1 in a hard-fought comeback
- Carnesecchi’s crucial saves in goal and a strong defensive setup kept Atalanta in the game despite Udinese’s early dominance
- Despite injuries to key players, Atalanta’s determination and an own goal by Udinese defender Isaak Toure sealed their sixth consecutive league win
Atalanta extended their impressive unbeaten run across all competitions to ten matches with a dramatic 2-1 comeback victory over Udinese, temporarily taking them level with Napoli at the top of the Serie A table. In a match brimming with action and tension, Atalanta showed the determination of a title favourite, overturning an early deficit to secure their sixth consecutive league win, though injury setbacks continued to plague Coach Gasperini’s team.
Coming off the back of a commanding 3-0 victory against league leaders Napoli and a 2-0 Champions League triumph over Stuttgart, Atalanta entered the game against Udinese in confident form. However, injuries had forced manager Gian Piero Gasperini to reshuffle his lineup, with Charles De Ketelaere and Sead Kolasinac joining Giorgio Scalvini and Gianluca Scamacca on the sideline. This opened the door for former Udinese player Lazar Samardzic to start against his former club.
The match started with a breathtaking pace with early chances for both sides. Super Eagles goalkeeper Maduka Okoye was quick to deny Mario Pasalic’s cross-shot, while Atalanta’s Marco Carnesecchi made an equally impressive double save at the other end, thwarting Sandi Lovric and Keinan Davis.
Atalanta must have thought they had taken the lead in the thirteenth minute when Matteo Ruggeri’s shot went off Okoye and into the path of Mateo Retegui, who nodded the ball into the net. However, the goal was controversially ruled offside, with CAF’s POTY favourite Ademola Lookman judged to have interfered in the buildup.
The close calls continued as Martin Payero’s curving shot hit Atalanta’s crossbar, leaving the visitors relieved. Udinese remained relentless in their attack, but Carnesecchi kept his side in the game with a diving save, tipping Florian Thauvin’s attempt around the post.
However, Atalanta’s defence suffered a setback when Udinese’s Thauvin collided with Berat Djimsiti, leading to the latter’s substitution and forcing Marten de Roon into a defensive role.
As half-time approached, Udinese broke the deadlock with an impressive strike from Hassane Kamara. Exploiting an injury-hobbled Davide Zappacosta on the left flank, Kamara unleashed a screamer from outside the box, finding the top corner to give Udinese a one-goal lead going into the break.
Europa League champions Atalanta emerged from the interval determined to turn the tide. Just past the hour mark, they equalised with a well-timed team move. Samardzic initiated the play, feeding Raoul Bellanova on the right, whose low cross was expertly swept into the roof of the net by Pasalic from about twelve yards out.
Some minutes later, Atalanta completed their comeback. Another delivery from Bellanova caught Isaak Toure off guard, as the Udinese defender mistakenly redirected the ball into his own net, handing Ademola Lookman’s side the lead.
Despite Udinese’s late efforts, Atalanta held firm to get an important win. Atalanta will hope their streak continues as they eye the Serie A title chase.
Ballon d’Or rankings place Nigeria’s Ademola Lookman in 14th position
Previously, TheRadar reported that Super Eagles Ademola Lookman earned a spot among the elite, finishing 14th in the prestigious 2024 Ballon d'Or rankings.
The Super Eagles and Atalanta forward final standing was announced during the ceremony in Paris on Monday Evening, October 28, marking his first-ever nomination in the race for football’s highest individual accolade.
