Atalanta continued their unlikely Serie A title challenge on Sunday, moving level on points with leaders Napoli after a dramatic 2-1 comeback victory over Udinese. The win marked their sixth consecutive league triumph.
Trailing 1-0 at halftime, Atalanta responded strongly after the break. Mario Pasalic equalized with a first-time strike 11 minutes into the second half, and an own goal by Udinese’s Isaak Toure moments later handed the Bergamaschi all three points.
Gian Piero Gasperini’s side now sit second, tied with Napoli on 25 points, though Napoli remain top due to their superior goal difference and a game in hand. Inter Milan, just one point behind, will face Napoli later in the day, ensuring that either the defending champions or Napoli will lead the table by the end of Sunday.
Atalanta’s 2-1 win extends their unbeaten run to 10 matches across all competitions, with eight victories in that stretch. With this impressive form, the club has earned a place among the Serie A title contenders.
Under Gasperini and the guidance of the Percassi family, Atalanta has steadily transformed from a provincial side into one of Italy’s top teams, highlighted by their Europa League success last season. Gasperini himself has recently acknowledged his team’s Scudetto aspirations, and they showed their mettle against Udinese, who had taken the lead through a stunning strike from Hassane Kamara just before the break.
Despite their spirited performance, Udinese, who had been dominant in the first half, are now on a three-match losing streak and sit eighth with 16 points.
Later Sunday, Fiorentina and Lazio could move level with Atalanta on points, depending on their results against Verona and Monza. Meanwhile, crisis-hit Roma will host Bologna, with Italian media reporting that coach Ivan Juric is set to be sacked regardless of the outcome at the Stadio Olimpico. Roberto Mancini is the frontrunner to replace him.
AFP
