Atalanta-Empoli 3-2, De Ketelaere secures first place: goal and match

Atalanta beat Empoli 3-2 today 22 December in the match of the 17th matchday of Serie A. The Nerazzurri prevailed with De Ketelaere’s brace and Lookman’s goal: the success allows Gasperini’s team to reach 40 points and to maintain the solitary first place in the standings. Empoli returns home empty-handed and remains on 19 points.

The match

Atalanta falls asleep in the 13th minute and Empoli strikes. The Tuscans start from a throw-in, no one bothers to mark Henderson who passes the ball to Colombo: winning conclusion, 0-1. The Nerazzurri shake themselves up, start to grind out the game and equalize in the 34th minute. Zappacosta crosses, De Ketelaere is punctual for the appointment: header and 1-1.

The Belgian inspired the action which gave the home team the lead at the end of the first half. Cross, Zaniolo heads the ball and Lookman scores for 2-1 in the 46th minute. As in the first half, Atalanta started with the handbrake on at the start of the second half. Djimsiti knocks out Grassi, the contact is a penalty after the VAR review. Esposito makes no mistake from the spot, 2-2 in the 57th minute.

The Nerazzurri struggled to get back on their feet and Empoli didn’t seem to struggle to manage the match. The draw seems destined to hold until the final whistle. And instead, De Ketelaere pulls the rabbit out of the hat. The Belgian gets rid of 3 opponents and hits the mark with a surgical low shot: 3-2, Atalanta continues their run at the top.