Atalanta delivered a dominant performance in the Coppa Italia Round of 16, securing a comprehensive 6-1 victory over Cesena at the Gewiss Stadium. The Serie A leaders showcased their attacking prowess with goals from multiple players, effectively cruising into the quarter-finals.
The game began with Davide Zappacosta opening the scoring in the 4th minute with a precise right-footed shot into the bottom corner. Charles De Ketelaere quickly doubled Atalanta’s lead just minutes later, finding the bottom corner after a neat exchange with Mateo Retegui. Lazar Samardzic extended the lead to 3-0 in the 27th minute, scoring during a swift counterattack. De Ketelaere then netted his second goal, bringing the score to 4-0 before halftime.
Marco Brescianini added the fifth goal with a left-footed shot from a set-piece, and Samardzic completed his brace with a right-footed strike assisted by Nicolò Zaniolo. Cesena managed a late consolation goal in the 90th minute through Joseph Ceesay, making the final score 6-1.
Atalanta will face Bologna in the quarter-finals, scheduled for February 5, 2025. The victory continues their impressive run in domestic competitions, with the team currently leading Serie A and competing in multiple tournaments. Key players included Charles De Ketelaere and Lazar Samardzic, each contributing two goals to the team’s success, along with Zappacosta and Brescianini adding to the tally.
Goals: Zappacosta (A) 4’, De Ketelaere (A) 8’, 35’, Samardzic (A) 27’, 71’, Brescianini 54’ (A), Cessay (C) 90’.
Atalanta (3-4-2-1): Rui Patricio (78′ Rossi); Toloi, Hien (64′ Sulemana), Djimsiti (64′ Godfrey); Palestra, De Roon, Pasalic (52′ Brescianini), Zappacosta; Samardzic, De Ketelaere (52′ Zaniolo); Retegui.
Cesena (4-3-2-1): Pisseri; Ciofi (74′ Curto), Piacentini Pieraccini, Celia; Bastoni (60′ Chiarello), Francesconi, Mendicino, Adamo (82′ Hralech); Tavsan (60′ Francesconi), Kargbo (74′ Ceesay); Van Hooijdonk.
