EMPOLI (ITALPRESS) – Overwhelming and in the middle of the Scudetto fight. At -3 from leader Inter, at -2 from Napoli, that is the top two in the class who will face each other on Saturday in a direct clash that Dea could do well either way. Atalanta returns to success after being eliminated from the Champions League at the hands of Bruges. Against Empoli it ended 5-0, after Gyasi’s own goal, Lookman’s double and goals by Zappacosta and Retegui were decisive. An afternoon to forget for Empoli, now -2 from the salvation zone and at their fourth consecutive defeat.Gian Piero Gasperini’s words in the press conference most likely paid off. The coach deployed the best lineup, with Lookman and De Ketelaere supporting Retegui. Many emergencies for D’Aversa, who decided to deploy Esposito and Kouamè in attack, with Colombo on the bench. In the first quarter of an hour, the Nerazzurri pressed their foot on the accelerator, three chances not taken advantage of by the orobici: a resounding one by Djimsiti who tried the winning deflection from his header, Silvestri’s save decisive. The turning point came in 27′ when Zappacosta attempted a cross into the box, but Gyasi’s deflection lifted a steeple that deceived his own goalkeeper. Five minutes later, on 33′, Retegui scored his 21st league goal by making himself ready at the second post: the one-two sank the Tuscans, and on 43′ Lookman, after Retegui’s feed and sole touch, came up with the 3-0 goal. Virtually nothing changed in the second half, apart from a sketchy reaction D’Aversa’s team failed to reopen the match. At 10′ Lookman exulted again for his personal double, at 29′ Zappacosta with a personal action managed to mock Silvestri for the fifth time with a low shot from the limit. A few untapped chances by Empoli in the final, Campaniello (16 and on debut) from two steps in front of Carnesecchi kicked high. Sixteenth victory for the Nerazzurri who as said by Gasperini will try to believe in the impossible: in the next round there will be a home match against Venezia. Negative moment for Empoli, at 21 points and in third-last position: the away match against Genoa will become a key junction of the season.- Photo Image -(ITALPRESS).
