Final result: Atalanta-Empoli 2-0
Atalanta’s report cards (by Lidia Vivaldi)
Carnesecchi 6 – He doesn’t have to make particularly difficult saves, he is ready when needed and shocks the defense when he sees their guard lowered.
Hien 6 – Not impeccable in style but effective in closing, he concedes little or nothing to his opponents.
Djimsiti 6 – Clean and punctual in controlling Empoli’s initiatives, he manages the Niang danger well. From 12th st: Kolasinac 6 – More physicality and determination to better manage the end of the race.
Scalvini 6 – A bit of a foul when it comes to tackling opposing attacking midfielders one-on-one, in particular Fazzini. Overall, however, he does his job.
Zappacosta 6.5 – Always sharp in his accelerations, he worries first Pezzella and then Cacace. He drops a little at the distance.
De Roon 6 – Not the most brilliant performance from the Atalanta captain, but his presence is precious to always keep attention high in midfield. From 12th st: Ederson 6.5 – Gasperini sends him onto the field to exploit his competitive malice to defend the lead. Task successful.
Pasalic 7 – Intelligence and promptness in plays is one of the elements that work best in Atalanta’s gear. His penalty is surgical and breaks the deadlock.
Ruggeri 6.5 – Pushes his range of expertise just enough, limiting Gyasi’s range of action. From 12th st: Hateboer 6.5 – Some interesting initiatives in the second half, to keep the Nerazzurri’s pressing high.
Miranchuk 6.5 – Distributes some very effective plays to undermine Empoli’s orderly defence. He tries the personal conclusion several times but has no luck.
Lookman 7.5 – He has not one, but at least two or three more gears than his opponents. He drives Bereszynski and co crazy, he invents a beautiful goal and comes close to doubling the score several times. From 39′ st: De Ketelaere sv
Toure 7 – He doesn’t find the goal but is the author of a performance of great substance, in which he constantly challenges the markers and creates many dangerous situations.
Gian Piero Gasperini 7 – It was certainly not the most prohibitive match on the calendar, but the match against Empoli could have hidden dangers which the Nerazzurri coach neutralized by fielding a balanced and aggressive team. Three fundamental points to face the season finale with even more awareness.
Empoli’s report cards (by Lidia Vivaldi)
Caprile 6 – He comes very close to deflecting Pasalic’s penalty, blameless on Lookman’s second. Watch out for Miranchuk’s repeated attempts.
Bereszynski 5 – He can’t get a handle on the marking on Lookman, who seems uncatchable. He tries to make up for it by triggering some counterattacks, but without managing to sting.
Walukiewicz sv – Unlucky, he raises the white flag after just 20 minutes due to a muscle problem. From the 24th minute: Cacace 6 – He enters with the right attitude, but finds himself facing an opponent who is not as simple as Zappacosta.
Luperto 5.5 – The warning he received at the start of the match affects him, and he growls less than usual on his opponents’ ankles.
Gyasi 5.5 – Sacrifice game, he tries to double on Lookman when the Atalanta player launches on the counterattack, but he doesn’t always manage to keep up with him.
Fats 6 – In the first part of the match he is among the most dangerous in the blue jersey, but he is often well marked. From 16th st: Marine 5.5 – He tries to overcome Atalanta’s midfield barrier with a few balls in depth, but without managing to trigger the attackers.
Maleh 5.5 – More on the ball in the first half, when he manages to express himself at a good pace. He drops in the second half. From 30th st: Chancellors 6 – Final offensive move by Nicola, he tries to give some references to his teammates but the plans are now broken.
Pezzella 5 – Positive at the start of the match, with the exit of Walukiewicz he has to move back to the defensive trio, but it is not his most congenial role and he makes a significant mistake.
Fazzini 5.5 – After a very positive start, he ends up well harnessed by the opposing markers and runs out of momentum. From 17th st: Kovalenko 5 – He doesn’t find the right solutions to rekindle Empoli’s offensive verve.
Cambiaghi 6 – After a somewhat timid start, he begins to find some more effective plays. However, Atalanta’s defense is a tough nut to crack.
Niang 5.5 – He has few chances to score, he fights for every ball but is often doubled by the scorers. From 17th st: Caputo 5.5 – The Empoli amulet is back on the pitch after the long stop, but this time it’s not enough to overcome a solid Atalanta.
David Nicholas 5.5– It wasn’t easy to face an Atalanta team at this level of form and confidence. Empoli did what they could but Walukiewicz’s injury and the penalty soon complicated the situation.