Serie A: Atalanta Stun Napoli with Dramatic Comeback Win

Napoli's title hopes take hit as Atalanta fight back

Atalanta's 9-game unbeaten run continues. Napoli's Serie A title chances suffer blow as Atalanta comeback wins. Atalanta beat Napoli 2-1, with late winner from Lazar Samardzic.

The equalizer gave Atalanta a massive boost, and they pushed hard for a winner...

Atalanta's impressive comeback secured a 2-1 win over Napoli, dealing a blow to their Serie A title chances. This victory extends Atalanta's unbeaten league run to nine games, with seven wins and two draws.

Napoli initially took the lead in the 18th minute, capitalizing on Atalanta's defensive lapse when Sam Beukema headed home Miguel Gutierrez's free kick. However, Atalanta fought back, equalizing just after the hour mark through Mario Pasalic's header from Nicola Zalewski's corner. Lazar Samardzic sealed the win with a late goal, heading in Lorenzo Bernasconi's cross in the 81st minute.

Napoli's loss leaves them 14 points behind league leaders Inter Milan, with AC Milan closing in on second place. Atalanta, now seventh, trails fourth-placed Roma by two points.

A perfectly weighted free-kick from Miguel Gutierrez found a completely unmarked Sam Beukema inside the box. He had no trouble finding the back of the net from just over six yards out, securing his second Serie A goal of the season.

The hosts worked hard to try and get back into contention. Their first notable opportunity arrived after 35 minutes when Vanja Milinkovic-Savic produced an impressive save at his near post to deny Kamaldeen Sulemana from levelling the game.

The first half was far from over, and drama was brewing. Napoli were initially awarded a penalty when referee Daniele Chiffi thought Isak Hien had fouled Rasmus Hojlund.

But things took a turn - the decision was overturned when Chiffi was instructed to review the incident by VAR officials. The noise in the stadium changed as the penalty call was retracted.

It was a dramatic start to the second half, to say the least, when Gutierrez seemingly doubled the visitors’ advantage just 23 seconds after the restart. The joy soon turned to dismay, though, as the goal was ruled out by the referee due to a foul committed by Hojlund in the build-up. 

This incident would go on to haunt the Azzurri, as the hosts grabbed an equaliser just after the hour mark from a set-piece of their own. An excellent corner from Nicola Zalewski was met by a glancing header from Croatia international Mario Pasalic, and his effort had just enough power to beat Milinkovic-Savic.

The equalizer gave Atalanta a massive boost, and they pushed hard for a winner. They almost got it just after the 60-minute mark, but Milinkovic-Savic made a crucial save to block Gianluca Scamacca's effort.

Atalanta kept pressing, and it paid off with less than 10 minutes left. Lazar Samardzic headed in Lorenzo Bernasconi's cross, sending the home fans wild.

A thrilling match-up ends in a Nerazzurri victory! 👊⚫️🔵#AtalantaNapoli pic.twitter.com/pvcgtJuOUf

— Lega Serie A (@SerieA_EN) February 22, 2026

Atalanta picked up three points at home and stay seventh in Serie A. Now, they focus on the UEFA Champions League, hosting Borussia Dortmund on Wednesday with a Round of 16 spot on the line.

Mario Pašalić is the Panini Player of the Match! 🏆#AtalantaNapoli pic.twitter.com/rbZM0Lyh6k

— Lega Serie A (@SerieA_EN) February 22, 2026

Napoli, third in Serie A, will look to bounce back and revive their title hopes when they visit Hellas Verona next weekend. It's a tough ask against a relegation-threatened side, but they'll be looking for a win.