In a dominant display at the Gewiss Stadium in Bergamo, Atalanta secured a resounding 6-1 victory over Cesena in the Coppa Italia Round of 16 on December 18, 2024. The victory showcased Atalanta's offensive firepower and midfield brilliance, as they cruised into the quarterfinals to set up a clash with Bologna.
Match Recap
Atalanta wasted no time asserting their authority, with Davide Zappacosta breaking the deadlock in the 4th minute. His early strike set the tone for a relentless first half, with Charles De Ketelaere doubling the lead just four minutes later. De Ketelaere, who has been in sensational form, tormented the Cesena defense throughout the match.
The midfield dominance of Atalanta was epitomized by Lazar Samardzic, who netted a brace with goals in the 27th and 71st minutes. His composure and creativity in the middle of the park allowed Atalanta to maintain their attacking momentum while keeping Cesena under constant pressure.
De Ketelaere added a second goal in the 35th minute, capping a stellar performance and putting the match beyond Cesena's reach before halftime.
Despite Atalanta’s relentless assault, Cesena managed a consolation goal in the 90th minute through Joseph Ceesay, salvaging some pride in an otherwise one-sided contest.
Key Performances
- Charles De Ketelaere: A standout performer with two goals, De Ketelaere's sharp finishing and attacking intelligence were instrumental in Atalanta's triumph.
- Lazar Samardzic: The midfielder's brace highlighted his exceptional vision and ability to dictate play, cementing his importance to Atalanta's setup.
- Davide Zappacosta: The veteran defender's early goal and energetic display on the flanks provided a perfect start to the match.
Looking Ahead
With this emphatic victory, Atalanta continue their impressive run in domestic competitions. Their ability to combine fluid attacking play with disciplined defending makes them a formidable contender for the Coppa Italia title.
The quarterfinal against Bologna promises to be an intriguing contest, as Atalanta aim to maintain their high-scoring form and progress deeper into the tournament.
Atalanta’s head coach Gian Piero Gasperini expressed his satisfaction after the game, praising the team’s cohesion and work ethic. “This performance reflects the hard work the players have put in. We’re excited for the next challenge against Bologna,” he said.
As Atalanta march forward, their growing confidence and consistent performances underline their ambitions for both domestic and European success this season.
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