Atalanta thrashes opponent and jumps into European spots in the Italian League

Atalanta delivered an emphatic performance at the Gewiss Stadium on Saturday, overpowering Verona 6-1 to move up in the Serie A standings.

The win not only showcased the Bergamo team’s attacking prowess but also underscored their ambitions to secure a spot in European competitions next season. This victory brought Atalanta up to 16 points, tying them with Juventus for third place, while Inter Milan sits in second with 17 points. Napoli, with their narrow win over Lecce earlier in the day, retained their lead at the top of the table with 20 points, positioning them as the team to beat this season.

Atalanta’s dominance was apparent from the start, as they stormed into a commanding 5-0 lead in the first half, catching Verona off guard. The opening goal came in the sixth minute, courtesy of Dutch midfielder Marten de Roon, who capitalized on a well-worked team play. Just three minutes later, Mateo Retegui found the net to extend the lead, followed by a precise finish from Belgian forward Charles de Ketelaere in the 14th minute. Nigerian winger Ademola Lookman then added to the tally with two quick goals in the 29th and 34th minutes, firmly establishing Atalanta’s control over the match.

Despite being down by five goals, Verona managed to pull one back through Swedish striker Amin Sarr, who found the net in the 42nd minute. The second half was more subdued in comparison to the first, with Atalanta managing to restore their five-goal lead in the 58th minute through Retegui’s second goal of the match. This goal solidified Atalanta's advantage and underscored their impressive attacking depth, even as the team appeared to take a more measured approach for the rest of the game.

The victory adds a significant boost to Atalanta's aspirations in Serie A. Known for their aggressive, fast-paced style under coach Gian Piero Gasperini, Atalanta aims to re-establish themselves as contenders for European qualification. The team’s current form, highlighted by their high-scoring capabilities, is a promising sign of their ambitions this season. With Juventus and Inter Milan also in contention near the top of the table, Atalanta’s convincing win sets the stage for a competitive race for the top spots.

Elsewhere, Napoli continued their impressive form with a 1-0 victory over Lecce. The only goal of the game came from captain Giovanni Di Lorenzo, who scored in the first half to ensure Napoli retained the top spot. With this win, Napoli reached 20 points, solidifying their lead in Serie A. Regardless of the outcome of Sunday’s clash between Inter and Juventus, Napoli will end the ninth round of the season as the league leaders, underlining their strong start to the campaign.

The weekend's action also saw the postponement of the Bologna vs. AC Milan match due to severe weather conditions. Originally scheduled for Saturday, the game was delayed to February 2025, allowing both teams to avoid the adverse weather affecting parts of Italy. The postponement is a setback for AC Milan, who are eager to remain in contention near the top of the table. The decision reflects Serie A’s commitment to player safety amid challenging conditions.

As the league progresses, the battle for the top positions continues to heat up, with Napoli leading, Inter Milan and Juventus competing closely, and Atalanta emerging as serious contenders. With the international break approaching, these teams have a brief respite before resuming their campaigns. Atalanta’s comprehensive victory over Verona serves as a reminder of their potential to disrupt the traditional hierarchy of Italian football, while Napoli’s consistent performances keep them firmly on course to defend their title.