Atalanta showcased their championship mettle with a thrilling 1-1 draw away to Lazio on Saturday, keeping them atop the Serie A table thanks to a dramatic 88th minute equalizer from Marco Brescianini. The point extends their unbeaten run to 12 matches and keeps them one point ahead of Inter Milan, who also won on the day.
Atalanta Digs Deep to Salvage Draw
For much of the match in Rome, it looked like Atalanta’s 11-game winning streak would come to an end. Lazio dominated the first half and went ahead in the 27th minute through a fine volley by Fisayo Dele-Bashiru. But Gian Piero Gasperini‘s relentless side never gave up.
The match exploded into life in the final minutes, with both teams having chances to win it before Atalanta found their decisive breakthrough. Young midfielder Marco Brescianini, on as a substitute, was in the right place to tap home from close range after Ademola Lookman created the chance from the left wing. The dramatic leveler sparked wild celebrations on the Atalanta bench, as they knew the vital point kept their title dreams very much alive.
These are the kinds of hard-earned points that win championships. To come from behind away to a strong Lazio side and equalize so late shows real spirit and determination.
– Gian Piero Gasperini, Atalanta Manager
Inter Keeps Pace with Martinez Goal
Defending champions Inter Milan made sure to keep the pressure on Atalanta with a workmanlike 3-0 win away to Cagliari. Striker Lautaro Martinez ended his goal drought with a well-taken volley to make it 2-0 in the 71st minute, his first strike since early November.
Goals from Alessandro Bastoni and Hakan Calhanoglu sealed the three points for Simone Inzaghi‘s side, who are now unbeaten in eight matches themselves. Inzaghi praised Martinez after the match, backing his striker to be a “resource” for Inter despite his recent struggles in front of goal. With the gap at just one point, Inter know they are still very much in the thick of the title race.
- Inter are now unbeaten in their last 8 Serie A matches
- Lautaro Martinez ended a goal drought dating back to November 3
- Coach Simone Inzaghi hails the striker as a “resource” for the team
Race for the Scudetto Heats Up
With Inter hosting Atalanta on January 6, the stage is set for a massive showdown between the top two early in the new year. How that match unfolds could go a long way to determining the fate of this season’s Scudetto. But both coaches were quick to highlight that there is a long way to go.
We are only halfway through the season. Yes, the match against Atalanta next week is important, but it will not decide the title. There are many difficult matches still to play. We must stay focused and take it one game at a time.
– Simone Inzaghi, Inter Milan Manager
Both teams also have Coppa Italia and European commitments to juggle as the season rolls on. Squad depth and rotation will be critical, as will avoiding injuries to key players. But if they can negotiate those challenges, we could be in for a spectacular title race in Serie A between these two impressive sides.
Best of the Rest
In other Serie A action on Saturday:
- Genoa beat Empoli 2-1 thanks to goals from Milan Badelj and Caleb Ekuban
- Parma stunned Monza with a 2-1 comeback win sealed by a Lautaro Valenti header deep into stoppage time
- The win spoiled the debut of new Monza manager Salvatore Bocchetti, whose side remain bottom
With the season nearly at its halfway point, the table is taking shape but much still remains up for grabs. Atalanta and Inter look set for a massive title tussle in the new year, but the chasing pack will aim to keep them honest. One thing is for sure – Serie A in 2024 is poised for a thrilling ride.
