Atalanta Responds with Dominance, Overwhelming Empoli After Champions League Departure

Atalanta reduced the gap to Serie A leaders Inter Milan to just five points after a commanding 5-0 victory over Empoli at the Stadio Carlo Castellani, marking their 11th consecutive unbeaten away fixture.

The visitors faced a bitter disappointment earlier in the week, crashing out of the UEFA Champions League against Club Brugge. However, this setback now allows them to fully focus on their pursuit of a first Serie A title.

From the outset, it was all Atalanta as they dominated the first half, effectively sealing the contest by the time the whistle blew for half-time. Empoli’s goalkeeper Marco Silvestri was busy early on, managing to thwart efforts from David Zappacosta and Berat Djimsiti initially.

Djimsiti nearly scored with an overhead kick that sailed just over the crossbar, shortly before Christian Kouamé forced a sharp save from Marco Carnesecchi at the conclusion of one of Empoli’s rare attacks.

Atalanta finally broke through just before the 30-minute mark, and fortune played a role in the opener. Zappacosta’s cross, seemingly harmless, took a deflection off Emmanuel Gyasi, soaring over Silvestri and into the net.

Not long after, the visitors doubled their lead when Mateo Retegui slotted in from a Djimsiti flick-on following a corner, extending their advantage just before the half.

Ademola Lookman, who had been under scrutiny for missing a penalty against Brugge despite not being the assigned penalty taker, showcased his class by coolly rounding Silvestri and tapping the ball into an unguarded net.

Just ten minutes after the break, Atalanta pushed their lead further as Lookman found the back of the net again, sending a precise strike into the corner after a clever pass from Marten de Roon.

With the game already won, Atalanta sought to further embellish the scoreline, and Zappacosta duly added a low, precise effort from the edge of the area.

Empoli looked to salvage some pride and nearly found a consolation through 16-year-old substitute Thomas Campaniello, who made his debut as the second-youngest player in the club’s Serie A history. Unfortunately, he failed to keep his shot down during a one-on-one with Carnesecchi.

Overall, it was a comfortable outing for Atalanta, who have now scored five goals in consecutive Serie A away matches. This impressive form keeps them firmly in contention for the Scudetto, while Empoli remains in the relegation zone. Though they were never expected to triumph in this encounter, the significant hit to their goal difference could prove crucial in the fight against relegation.