L’Atalanta scores a clear 2-0 toEmpoli in the home match valid for the 34th round of Serie A, counter-overtaking Lazio and bringing Roma closer to fifth place in the standings (with one less match still to play). The match at the Gewiss Stadium was decided by goals from Pasalic on a penalty in the 42nd minute and by Lookman on a personal effort in the 51st minute.
Pasalic unlocks it on a penalty won by Tourè
Fairly balanced first half at the Gewiss Stadium, where to see a real scoring opportunity you have to wait for the one that actually decides the match at half-time. First of all, we only note Walukiewicz’s injury among the guests, who remains down in the 22nd minute and is replaced shortly afterwards by Cacace (probable muscle strain for the Empoli Polish defender). Contact between Pezzella and Tourè in the area in the 41st minute and penalty for the Dea: specialist Mario Pasalic takes the spot, coolly making no mistakes and putting the home team ahead. Empoli felt the pinch and Gasperini’s team could have doubled their lead already in the 48th minute: great verticalization by Lookman for Tourè who flew towards the area, but was closed by two defenders and widened for Miranchuk. The Russian loads the shot, but is blocked by Caprile. Danger averted and game still open, but Nicola’s troop is one down.
Lookman doubles his lead and even comes close to making it three of a kind
In the second half the script didn’t change and, on the contrary, Atalanta controlled without ever running any danger. Moreover, Ademola Lookman takes care of doubling the lead and closing the match already in the 51st minute: personal action by the Nigerian attacker who receives the ball and with excellent control takes the time of the marker Bereszynski, centers the ball at his foot and from the edge of the area places a razor that leaves no escape for Caprile. Lookman himself came close to scoring a double in the 60th minute, when he again found space to wedge in from the left and shoot diagonally. However, his low shot was deflected just enough to slide wide of the far post. It ends like this in Bergamo, with Atalanta rightly cynical and the Azzurri stopped after the victory against Napoli.
Relive the TMW live of Atalanta-Empoli here!