Charles De Ketelaere delivered a stunning performance, scoring two goals to secure a thrilling 3-2 comeback victory for Atalanta against Empoli. This win marked Atalanta’s 11th consecutive Serie A triumph, allowing them to head into the Christmas break as league leaders.
The match began with Atalanta needing all three points to maintain their top position following Napoli’s win earlier in the weekend. However, they faced challenges with Marten de Roon suspended and injuries sidelining Giorgio Scalvini and Gianluca Scamacca. Empoli, on the other hand, was missing Mattia De Sciglio due to suspension and had several players out with long-term injuries, although Liam Henderson returned from a ban.
Empoli shocked the hosts by taking an early lead. Henderson capitalized on a throw-in situation, reaching the by-line before pulling back for Lorenzo Colombo, whose volley deflected in from close range. The Tuscans soon faced their own setback when Mateo Retegui was forced off with a muscular injury and replaced by Nicolò Zaniolo, who received a yellow card shortly after entering the game.
Atalanta responded well, equalizing when Davide Zappacosta’s cross found De Ketelaere, who executed a diving header into the net from 12 yards. The home side continued to press, with Berat Djimsiti hitting the post from a header shortly after.
Just before halftime, Atalanta took the lead through Ademola Lookman, who scored after Zaniolo nodded down a cross from De Ketelaere. The momentum shifted again when Empoli was awarded a penalty after VAR reviewed an incident where Djimsiti caught Alberto Grassi’s boot as he fell. Sebastiano Esposito converted the penalty to level the score at 2-2.
Despite struggling to break down Empoli’s defense in the second half, De Ketelaere showcased his skill by picking up the ball on the right flank, dribbling past four defenders, and firing a left-footed shot into the near bottom corner from just inside the penalty area to seal the victory for Atalanta.
With this win, Atalanta continue their impressive run in Serie A and heads into the holiday season with renewed confidence as they aim to maintain their position at the top of the table.
Goals: Colombo 13 (E), De Ketelaere 34, 86 (A), Lookman 45 (A), Esposito pen 57 (E)
Atalanta (3-4-3): Carnesecchi; Kossounou, Djimsiti (69′ Hien), Kolasinac; Bellanova (80′ Cuadrado), Ederson, Pasalic, Zappacosta (69′ Ruggeri); De Ketelaere, Retegui (20′ Zaniolo), Lookman (69′ Samardzic).
Empoli (3-4-2-1): Vasquez; Goglichidze (80′ Marianucci), Ismajli, Pezzella; Gyasi, Anjorin, Grassi (69′ Fazzini), Cacace; Henderson (84′ Sambia), Esposito (69′ Maleh); Colombo.
