Lookman Shines in Atalanta’s Thrilling 3-2 Comeback Victory Over Empoli
By Ademola Lookman, the reigning African Footballer of the Year, was instrumental as Atalanta pulled off a dramatic 3-2 win against Empoli on Sunday, reclaiming the top spot in Serie A.
A Match of Twists and Turns
Charles De Ketelaere played a pivotal role for Atalanta, scoring twice, including the decisive goal in the 86th minute. This thrilling encounter at the Gewiss Stadium saw the Bergamo-based side restore their two-point lead over Napoli, who had briefly overtaken them with a 2-1 victory against Genoa the previous day.
Empoli opened the scoring in the 13th minute through Lorenzo Colombo, taking an early lead against the home side. However, Atalanta responded emphatically. De Ketelaere equalized in the 34th minute, setting the stage for an electrifying contest.
Lookman’s Moment of Brilliance
Lookman showcased his class by netting his 12th goal of the season in first-half added time, giving Atalanta a 2-1 advantage heading into the break. Recently crowned as Africa’s finest, Lookman’s strike was a testament to his exceptional form this season.
Empoli, however, refused to back down. Sebastiano Esposito converted a penalty in the 57th minute, bringing the visitors level once more and heightening the tension in a fiercely competitive match.
De Ketelaere Seals the Win
With the clock ticking towards a potential draw, De Ketelaere delivered the match-winning moment. The Belgian midfielder displayed remarkable skill and composure, maneuvering along the edge of the box before unleashing a disguised left-footed shot that found the back of the net. It was his fifth league goal of the season and a crucial one for Atalanta’s title ambitions.
Other Serie A Highlights
In other action, Roma bounced back from a surprising 2-0 defeat to Como last weekend to dominate Parma with a resounding 5-0 victory in the Italian capital. Paulo Dybala led the charge with a brace, supported by goals from Alexis Saelemaekers, Leandro Paredes, and Artem Dovbyk. Roma’s win elevated them to 10th place, while Parma remained perilously close to the relegation zone in 16th.
Venezia also recorded a crucial 2-1 home victory over fellow strugglers Cagliari. Goals from Francesco Zampano and Marin Sverko ensured Venezia climbed off the bottom of the table, leaving Monza as the new cellar dwellers on 10 points. Monza had a chance to escape the bottom later on Sunday, provided they could hand Juventus their first league defeat of the season.
Conclusion
Atalanta’s thrilling win over Empoli, fueled by Lookman’s brilliance and De Ketelaere’s heroics, underscores their determination in the Serie A title race. As the season progresses, fans can expect more exhilarating performances from the Bergamo-based side and their standout stars.