BERGAMO (ITALPRESS) – Napoli won 3-2 against Atalanta, a crucial success for the Scudetto race. The one in Bergamo was a gripping match, Lukaku’s goal in the final decisive, a three-point header launching the escape of Conte’s team. Fifth match without a win for the Bergamasks, still dry in the new year.
Gian Piero Gasperini had to deal with a defensive emergency, with Kolasinac disqualified (and Kossounou injured, season over for the Ivorian) the coach at center-left sent on Scalvini. The surprise move was Samardzic behind the two strikers, with Lobotka often caged by the Nerazzurri midfielders. Conte’s team struggled especially in the first half when Dea left no space for the Azzurri dribblers: at 16′ came the goal of the lead with Retegui, skillful in taking advantage of a defensive botch by the Di Lorenzo-Rrahmani duo. The goal served as a turning point, at 27′ Politano-after a defensive misreading by Djimsiti-found the equalizer’s goal with a left-footed shot under the crossbar. The equalizer gave more courage to Lukaku and his teammates, at 40′ Anguissa snatched a decisive ball that triggered McTominay’s goal after a backheel play by Neres in the narrows. Atalanta in the second half tried to set a high tempo again, the first ringing came at 8′ when Retegui tried with a diagonal shot that ended high, however. The Nerazzurri’s equalizer, at 10′, was the result of a personal play by Lookman: first dribbling over Politano, then scoring between four players. The hosts tried to push to find the third goal, but Conte’s team waited until 33′ when Lukaku, on Anguissa’s ball, found the final overtake. Sixth consecutive win for Napoli – which will face Juventus in the next round -, now at 50 and +7 on Dea third.
– photo Ipa Agency –
(ITALPRESS).
Scudetto challenge to Napoli, Atalanta defeated 3-2
