Atalanta climbed back to the top of the Serie A standings with a thrilling 3-2 win over Empoli on Sunday, powered by a match-winning performance from Charles De Ketelaere.
Meanwhile, Roma produced an emphatic 5-0 victory over Parma to bounce back from last week’s shock defeat.
De Ketelaere scored twice in a pulsating encounter, with his second goal coming in the 86th minute to secure all three points for Gian Piero Gasperini’s side. Ademola Lookman also found the net, helping Atalanta leapfrog Napoli into first place, restoring a two-point advantage over their rivals, who had temporarily gone top with a 2-1 win at Genoa on Saturday.
Empoli took a surprise lead at the Gewiss Stadium through Lorenzo Colombo in the 13th minute. However, Atalanta quickly responded, with De Ketelaere equalizing four minutes before halftime. Lookman then put the hosts ahead just before the break, scoring his 12th goal of the season in all competitions.
Empoli’s Sebastiano Esposito converted a penalty in the 57th minute to level the score, but as the match seemed destined for a draw, De Ketelaere’s brilliant solo effort sealed the win. The Belgian midfielder showed great composure as he glided along the edge of the box before firing a disguised left-foot shot past Empoli’s goalkeeper, marking his fifth Serie A goal of the campaign.
Atalanta’s victory ensures they remain ahead of Napoli by two points, having briefly lost their top spot after the Partenopei’s Saturday win.
Roma thrash Parma to bounce back
Roma responded to last weekend’s disappointing 2-0 loss to Como with a commanding 5-0 victory over Parma in the Italian capital. Paulo Dybala was the standout performer, scoring a brace, while Alexis Saelemaekers, Leandro Paredes, and Artem Dovbyk also got on the scoresheet as the Giallorossi moved up to 10th in the table.
Roma were dominant from the outset, with Dybala converting a penalty and Saelemaekers volleying home to give Roma a 2-0 lead within the first 15 minutes. Dybala added his second goal early in the second half, before Paredes scored from the spot in the 74th minute. Dovbyk rounded off the dominant display with a goal in the 83rd minute, capping off a comprehensive performance.
Parma remain just one point above the relegation zone in 16th place, while Roma’s comprehensive win provided some much-needed relief after their recent struggles.
Venezia secure vital win, Monza still in danger
Venezia lifted themselves off the bottom of the Serie A table with a crucial 2-1 home win over fellow relegation battlers Cagliari. Francesco Zampano and Marin Sverko scored for the hosts, while Leonardo Pavoletti pulled one back for Cagliari late on. The win takes Venezia up to 17th, just one point behind Cagliari, who sit in 18th.
Monza, bottom of the table with 10 points, could send Venezia back to the foot of the standings if they can upset Juventus later on Sunday, with the Bianconeri still unbeaten this season.
