Atalanta maintained their position at the top of Serie A with a dramatic 3-2 victory over Empoli on Sunday, thanks to Charles De Ketelaere’s late heroics. The Belgian midfielder scored twice, including an 86th-minute winner, as Gian Piero Gasperini’s side earned their 13th league win of the season, extending their lead over Napoli to two points.
Match Recap
Empoli stunned the home crowd early on when Lorenzo Colombo coolly finished past Marco Carnesecchi in the 10th minute, notching his 10th away goal of the calendar year.
Atalanta, however, responded with characteristic resilience. In the 32nd minute, Davide Zappacosta delivered a pinpoint cross, and De Ketelaere rose highest to head home and level the score.
The hosts took the lead in first-half stoppage time, with Ademola Lookman, recently crowned African Footballer of the Year, calmly slotting home from close range after a clever build-up.
Empoli refused to back down and clawed their way back into the game in the 57th minute. Sebastiano Esposito converted a penalty after Berat Djimsiti fouled Alberto Grassi in the box, setting up a tense final half-hour.
With the match seemingly heading for a draw, De Ketelaere stepped up again. The Belgian weaved his way into the box and fired a low shot into the bottom corner, securing all three points for Atalanta in the 86th minute.
Post-Match Reaction
Atalanta manager Gian Piero Gasperini praised his team’s character and resilience:
“We came back against a team that played well. The two goals conceded were due to a lapse in concentration and a penalty given by VAR. Winning it was a great achievement.”
He also lauded De Ketelaere’s performance:
“He gained confidence and improved his heading ability, as he showed today. The second goal is truly extraordinary, coming from a wide position.”
Key Stats: A Fortress at the Gewiss Stadium
Atalanta’s remarkable season has been built on their dominance at home:
- 13 Home Wins: The most in Europe’s top five leagues this season.
- 19 Home Wins in 2024: Their best tally in a single calendar year since 1929-30.
- 124 Goals in 2024: Their highest tally since the 1929-30 season.
The team’s current 11-match winning streak in Serie A is a club record. Notably, the last two teams to achieve such a streak—Napoli in 2022-23 and Inter in 2020-21—went on to win the league title.
Star Power Up Front
Atalanta’s formidable attacking trio has been a key factor in their success:
- Mateo Retegui (14 goals)
- Ademola Lookman (12 goals)
- Charles De Ketelaere (10 goals)
Atalanta are the only team in Europe’s top five leagues with three players scoring 10+ goals this season, showcasing their offensive depth and versatility.
What’s Next?
Atalanta’s victory strengthens their grip on the Serie A summit as they chase a historic first Scudetto. They’ll look to maintain their momentum when they return to action after the holiday break. Empoli, meanwhile, will aim to bounce back and climb away from the relegation zone.
