Serie A: Atalanta Thrash Empoli 5-0 to Keep Scudetto Hopes Alive

Atalanta's Scudetto hopes were boosted by a dominant 5-0 win at Empoli, extending their unbeaten away run to 11 matches and moving them within five points of Serie A leaders Inter Milan.

Atalanta responded to their midweek Champions League exit with a resounding 5-0 victory over Empoli at the Stadio Carlo Castellani, moving within five points of Serie A leaders Inter Milan in the process. This dominant display also extended Atalanta's impressive unbeaten away run to 11 matches, demonstrating their resilience and determination.

The defeat to Club Brugge in the Champions League may have been a bitter pill to swallow, but it does provide Atalanta with the opportunity to focus their energies on the Serie A title race. With their European commitments now at an end, Atalanta can channel their efforts into securing a maiden Serie A title, and this convincing win over Empoli serves as a timely boost to their ambitions.

A five-star win for Atalanta! ⭐#EmpoliAtalanta pic.twitter.com/Bv15xk1m16

— Lega Serie A (@SerieA_EN) February 23, 2025

The first half of the match was largely one-sided, with Atalanta dominating proceedings and effectively sealing the win by halftime. Empoli goalkeeper Marco Silvestri was kept busy from the outset, making saves to deny David Zappacosta and Berat Djimsiti. Djimsiti also came close with an acrobatic overhead kick that sailed narrowly over the crossbar. The home team did manage to muster a rare attack, with Christian Kouamé testing Marco Carnesecchi with a powerful shot.

Atalanta's persistence eventually paid off in the 29th minute, albeit in fortunate circumstances. Zappacosta's cross into the box took a deflection off Emmanuel Gyasi, looping over Silvestri and into the net. The away team doubled their lead soon after, as Mateo Retegui tapped home Djimsiti's flick-on from a corner. Atalanta continued to press their advantage, scoring again just before the interval to take a commanding 3-0 lead into the break.

With two goals, Ademola Lookman is the Panini Player of the Match for #EmpoliAtalanta 🏆 pic.twitter.com/lgLeL9YVNu

— Lega Serie A (@SerieA_EN) February 23, 2025

Ademola Lookman, who had faced scrutiny for taking a penalty against Brugge despite not being the designated spot-kick taker, showcased his class and composure as he expertly rounded Empoli goalkeeper Marco Silvestri and slotted the ball into an empty net. This goal further highlighted Lookman's importance to Atalanta, and he continued to impress in the second half.

Atalanta's dominance continued after the restart, with Lookman scoring his second goal of the match within 10 minutes of the second half. He was played in by Marten de Roon and calmly drove the ball into the corner, effectively sealing the win for Atalanta. As the match drew to a close, the only remaining question was the margin of victory, and Atalanta added to their tally through David Zappacosta's controlled strike from the edge of the box.

Empoli's search for a consolation goal was nearly rewarded when 16-year-old substitute Thomas Campaniello, making his debut to become his side's second-youngest player in Serie A history, found himself one-on-one with Marco Carnesecchi. However, Campaniello was unable to keep his shot down, and Empoli were left to rue their missed opportunity. Ultimately, this match proved to be a comfortable stroll for Atalanta, who have now scored five goals in consecutive away matches in Serie A.

Atalanta's impressive form will keep them firmly in the Scudetto race, while Empoli's struggles continue to leave them in the relegation zone. Although Empoli were not expected to win this match, the heavy defeat has dealt a significant blow to their goal difference, which could prove crucial in their battle to avoid relegation.