Atalanta Strengthen Top-Six Aspirations in Serie A with Impressive Win against Lecce

Following AS Roma’s heavy defeat to Inter Milan earlier in the weekend, Atalanta seized the opportunity to bolster their hopes of European qualification, although they started off slowly in Salento.

Fortunately for them, Lecce’s attack is the least potent in the league, managing only one early chance to take the lead, as Sadik Fofana shot over the bar after receiving a cross from Ylber Ramadani.

As Raffaele Palladino’s side found their rhythm, it became apparent that Charles De Ketelaere was posing the greatest threat. The Belgian was denied by an impressive save from Lecce captain Wladimiro Falcone after he combined well with Nikola Krstovic.

The breakthrough for Atalanta came just before the half-hour mark, with De Ketelaere again playing a pivotal role—this time setting up Giorgio Scalvini, who skillfully evaded Oumar Ngom and fired in his third goal of the season, two of which have been against Lecce.

The visitors, determined not to become complacent, might have felt let down not to enter the break with a larger cushion, as Krstovic saw two near misses against his former club—first heading over and then having a fierce effort saved by Falcone.

Lecce’s inability to register a single shot on target before half-time prompted manager Eusebio Di Francesco to introduce Omri Gandelman, but Atalanta retained their upper hand after the interval.

The hosts avoided conceding a second only thanks to the offside flag when Ederson tapped in at the back post, while Falcone showed quick reflexes to thwart the threat posed by the lively De Ketelaere.

Predictably, De Ketelaere was instrumental in Atalanta’s second goal, assisting Krstovic who slotted the ball into the bottom corner at his former ground—remarkably, seven of his last nine goals have been scored away from home.

Atalanta managed to ease off the tempo in the final stages, yet still found time to add a third through Giacomo Raspadori’s powerful strike, which came moments after another Falcone save denied Ederson.

Atalanta now relish a six-match unbeaten streak against Lecce and have established themselves as serious contenders for European qualification, while Lecce remains in the relegation zone, extending their winless record against teams in the top half of the table to 17 games this season.