Atalanta secured a hard-earned 2-1 victory against Cremonese in their Serie A clash at the New Balance Arena. Early goals from Nikola Krstović and Davide Zappacosta set the tone for the hosts, who held a commanding lead at halftime. Despite Cremonese's late surge, including a stoppage-time goal from Morten Thorsby, Atalanta's early dominance proved decisive.
First Half Control with Early Strikes
The match began with Atalanta asserting their intent, as Nikola Krstović opened the scoring in the 13th minute, courtesy of a well-placed assist from Giacomo Raspadori. The early pressure continued to pay off when Davide Zappacosta doubled the lead in the 25th minute, thanks to a clever setup by Mario Pašalić. Atalanta's vibrant attack was evident with 29 total shots, keeping Cremonese's defense under constant scrutiny.
Cremonese's Late Push Falls Short
Cremonese made several substitutions after the break in a bid to change the game's dynamics. Their efforts paid off partially when Morten Thorsby found the net in the dying moments of the match, adding tension to the closing minutes. However, Atalanta's strong defensive display, highlighted by Giorgio Scalvini’s impressive performance in winning 11 duels, ensured the home side held firm.
Statistics Reveal Atalanta's Dominance
Atalanta enjoyed 57% possession and unleashed a barrage of 29 shots, with nine on target. Their offensive resilience was matched by their defensive solidity, conceding only two shots on target from Cremonese. The hosts' passing accuracy stood at 82%, further underlining their control of the game.
Looking Ahead
This victory keeps Atalanta in strong form, having won four of their last five league matches. With key players like Nikola Krstović and Davide Zappacosta delivering crucial performances, Atalanta will look to maintain their momentum in the upcoming fixtures. For Cremonese, the focus shifts to regrouping and addressing the gaps that have led to recent defeats.
