Lazio 1-1 Atalanta: Brescianini’s Late Goal Keeps Visitors Top of Serie A
Atalanta’s remarkable 11-match winning streak in Serie A came to an end on Saturday with a 1-1 draw against Lazio at the Stadio Olimpico. Despite the draw, Gian Piero Gasperini’s men remain at the summit of the league table, holding a narrow one-point lead over defending champions Inter.
Match Recap: Late Drama at the Olimpico
First-Half Action
Lazio opened the scoring in the 27th minute through Fisayo Dele-Bashiru. The midfielder latched onto a perfectly weighted pass from Nicolo Rovella, breaking through Atalanta’s defense and calmly slotting the ball past Marco Carnesecchi.
Both teams created opportunities in the first half, but Lazio’s disciplined defense kept Atalanta at bay, preserving their lead heading into halftime.
Atalanta’s Late Equalizer
Atalanta pushed for an equalizer in the second half, with Ademola Lookman providing a constant threat on the wing. The breakthrough finally came in the 88th minute when substitute Marco Brescianini turned home a cutback from Lookman, salvaging a crucial point for the league leaders.
Impact on Serie A Standings
- Atalanta: The draw keeps Atalanta at the top of the table with 41 points from 18 matches. However, their lead is slim, with Inter just one point behind and holding a game in hand.
- Lazio: The result leaves Lazio in fourth place with 35 points, trailing third-placed Napoli by three points.
Key Performances
Lazio
- Fisayo Dele-Bashiru: The midfielder’s composed finish gave Lazio an early advantage and showcased his growing influence in the team.
- Nicolo Rovella: Provided the assist for the opening goal and controlled the midfield for much of the game.
Atalanta
- Marco Brescianini: The substitute delivered when it mattered most, scoring a vital equalizer to maintain Atalanta’s unbeaten run.
- Ademola Lookman: A constant attacking threat, Lookman’s assist for the equalizer highlighted his creativity and vision.
Atalanta’s Record-Breaking 2024
A Year to Remember
Despite the draw, Atalanta’s 2024 has been a year of historic achievements:
- Europa League Triumph: A dominant 3-0 victory over Bayer Leverkusen in May, powered by a Lookman hat-trick, secured their first-ever European trophy.
- Record Wins: Atalanta registered 36 wins in all competitions, their highest tally in a single calendar year since the 1929-30 season.
- Goals Galore: The team scored a record-breaking 127 goals in 2024.
- Strong Start to Serie A: Their 41 points from 18 matches mark the best start in the club’s history.
What’s Next?
Atalanta will turn their attention to the Italian Super Cup, where they face Inter in the semi-finals on January 2 in Saudi Arabia. This high-stakes encounter will test their resilience as they look to start 2025 with silverware.
Conclusion
Atalanta’s draw against Lazio may have ended their winning streak, but it highlighted their determination to fight until the final whistle. With a historic 2024 behind them, Gasperini’s side remains well-positioned to challenge for domestic and European honors in 2025. Lazio, meanwhile, can take confidence from their performance as they aim to solidify their top-four spot in Serie A.
FAQs
1. What was the final score of Lazio vs. Atalanta?
The match ended in a 1-1 draw, with goals from Fisayo Dele-Bashiru (Lazio) and Marco Brescianini (Atalanta).
2. How does this result affect the Serie A standings?
Atalanta remain at the top with 41 points, one ahead of Inter. Lazio are in fourth place with 35 points.
3. What records did Atalanta achieve in 2024?
Atalanta set records for most wins (36) and goals scored (127) in a calendar year. They also secured their first Europa League title.
4. Who were the standout players in the match?
Fisayo Dele-Bashiru and Nicolo Rovella impressed for Lazio, while Marco Brescianini and Ademola Lookman shone for Atalanta.
5. When is Atalanta’s next match?
Atalanta will face Inter in the Italian Super Cup semi-final on January 2, 2025.
