In an unexpected twist at the Stadio Maradona, Atalanta delivered a shocking 3-0 victory against Serie A leaders Napoli.
This dominant performance by the Bergamo side not only ended Napoli’s home-winning streak but also highlighted the defensive vulnerabilities that could challenge their title ambitions.
The game brought to light Napoli’s inability to withstand top-tier opposition, especially in the face of an efficient and hungry Atalanta squad led by standout performances from Ademola Lookman and Mateo Retegui.
Right from the whistle, Atalanta signaled their intentions with an aggressive and well-organized approach. Despite being the away team, Atalanta took control of the match by pressing high and denying Napoli space in key areas.
Atalanta’s coach, Gian Piero Gasperini, opted to pair Lookman with De Ketelaere in attack, benching Serie A’s current top scorer, Mateo Retegui. This tactical decision paid off as Lookman quickly became a nightmare for Napoli’s defense.
In just the 10th minute, Lookman found the net following a clever setup from De Ketelaere, who headed the ball into the six-yard box. The clinical finish by Lookman gave Atalanta a surprising early lead and left Napoli struggling to recover.
Although Napoli attempted to respond with some offensive plays, including a post-hitting strike from Scott McTominay, they couldn’t get past Atalanta’s solid backline led by Swedish center-back Isak Hien.
Lookman’s Stunning Brace
Atalanta continued to exploit Napoli’s defense with swift counter-attacks, and Lookman was at the heart of it all. His second goal, in the 31st minute, came off another De Ketelaere assist.
After receiving the ball, Lookman unleashed a powerful strike from outside the box, which Napoli’s keeper Alex Meret couldn’t keep out. With this, Atalanta doubled their lead and seemed to have complete control, with Napoli’s usually steadfast defense appearing shaken.
Lookman paying Napoli for what they did to Osimhen
Chelsea
Boss pic.twitter.com/c1Jo18xO6g— Eddypoundz (@EdwinJude8) November 3, 2024
Lookman’s brace marked his sixth Serie A goal this season, solidifying his status as one of the league’s most impactful players. His pace and precision highlighted Napoli’s struggles to cope with top-caliber attackers, a weakness that might cost them in their quest for the Scudetto.
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Napoli attempted to wrestle back some control by ramping up possession in the second half. However, their lack of penetration in the final third was telling.
+Despite boasting a forward line with the likes of Romelu Lukaku and Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, Napoli failed to create clear-cut chances. Lukaku, in particular, was kept in check by Atalanta’s defense, with Hien making crucial blocks to deny the Belgian striker.
Adding to their frustrations, Napoli struggled to convert set pieces and missed a few scoring opportunities. Their midfield, anchored by Frank Anguissa and Billy Gilmour, couldn’t break through Atalanta’s well-structured setup.
Antonio Conte, Napoli’s manager, tried to shake things up by introducing David Neres and Giacomo Raspadori, but even the fresh legs failed to change the tide. Atalanta’s organized defensive approach, along with their clinical counter-attacks, rendered Napoli’s offense ineffective.
Retegui’s Late Heroics Seal the Victory
Atalanta capped off their dominant display in the 90th minute with a third goal, courtesy of Mateo Retegui, who had come off the bench to replace Charles De Ketelaere.
Retegui, already leading the Capocannoniere rankings, once again showed his scoring prowess, bringing his season tally to 11 goals. He clinically placed a cross from Raoul Bellanova into the bottom-right corner, and although his celebration earned him a yellow card, it was a fitting conclusion to an excellent team performance.
The Italian international’s goal underscored Atalanta’s depth and the impact of Gasperini’s tactical switches. By rotating his lineup and strategically bringing on players like Retegui and Bellanova, Gasperini kept Napoli guessing until the end.
Defensive Concerns for Napoli
Napoli’s defensive lapses against Atalanta highlighted an ongoing concern as they face increased competition in Serie A. Although Napoli’s backline had been solid throughout the season, Atalanta exposed their weaknesses, especially in handling fast counter-attacks and effective pressing. Napoli’s struggle to contain Lookman and Retegui demonstrated the need for better defensive coordination and adaptability against agile, high-paced offenses.
Atalanta’s Rising Title Hopes
With this win, Atalanta moved within three points of Napoli at the top of the Serie A standings, positioning themselves as serious title contenders. Gasperini’s side, known for their attacking prowess, has been on an impressive winning streak, scoring 15 goals in their last four league games. Their disciplined defense and deadly counter-attacks have turned them into a force that even the top teams struggle to break down.
This victory at Stadio Maradona not only boosts Atalanta’s confidence but also sends a strong message to other Serie A teams. They have the depth, tactical flexibility, and attacking firepower needed to push for the Scudetto.
