BERGAMO (ITALPRESS) – A more than convincing victory. Atalanta overwhelms Cesena 6-1 and secures the pass for the Italian Cup quarterfinals, in goal Samardzic, De Ketelaere (both doubles), Zappacosta and Brescianini (by Ceesay the guest goal). Nothing to do for Mignani’s team, which struggled throughout the match. Gian Piero Gasperini gave a very clear message from the initial choices, with a thoughtful turnover and without upsetting anything: the novelty was Palestra on the right side in place of Bellanova, with Rui Patricio between the posts to give Carnesecchi a rest. In attack, Retegui was confirmed, with De Ketelaere and Samardzic in support: the three put on a show right from the start, but unlocking the result was Zappacosta at 4′, after an exchange in the box with Djimsiti. Just four minutes later, at 8′, De Ketelaere found the second goal at the end of a first-period phrasing with the same Retegui. Cesena struggled a lot to impose its rhythm, the hosts managed the possession (61% at the end of the first half) trying to close the qualification discourse already after 45 minutes: at 27′ came Samardzic’s goal, Pieraccini’s deflection decisive, at 35′ De Ketelaere scored the fourth goal after a very quick exchange in the small area together with his department mates.The script did not change in the second half either, Brescianini – who entered just two minutes earlier – scored the fifth goal on a free kick scheme at 9′. The guests never managed to trouble Rui Patricio (except for a couple of forwards read with the right timing by the former Roma player), Dea found the sixth goal with Samardzic, served by Zaniolo. At 45′ came the consolation goal with Ceesay after a misreading by the Bergamasque defense. A virtually one-sided match, in February – dates yet to be determined – the Nerazzurri will take on Vincenzo Italiano’s Bologna. Instead, Cesena’s adventure closes after eliminating Hellas Verona and Pisa. – Photo Ipa Agency -(ITALPRESS).
