Atalanta Roll Past Genoa to Book a Spot in the Quarterfinals
So, let’s talk about this Coppa Italia clash between Atalanta and Genoa, because it turned into a statement performance from La Dea and a pretty rough afternoon for the visitors. Going into the match, Atalanta’s coach Raffaele Palladino made a few bold calls. Ademola Lookman and Ederson were rested, even though both had been key in their recent Serie A win over Fiorentina. Still, most of the regular starters stayed on, as Palladino clearly wanted rhythm and continuity in his squad.
Genoa arrived with confidence after going unbeaten in their previous four matches, including a 2-1 victory over Hellas Verona. But Daniele De Rossi rotated heavily, leaving out several players who had delivered results in earlier rounds. It was a gamble, and as the match unfolded, it became clear it wasn’t going to land in his favour.
Also Read:- Tonight’s Moon Shines Just Shy of Full Brilliance
- Rosé, Bruno Mars, and Kendrick Lamar Dominate Apple Music’s 2025 Charts
The game began quietly, with neither side creating much in the first 15 minutes. But Atalanta gradually shifted gears, and the breakthrough came in the 19th minute. A well-placed cross from Zalewski was headed in by Berat Djimsiti, who continues to climb the club’s scoring charts for defenders. Unfortunately for Atalanta, Kamaldeen Sulemana picked up a muscle issue not long after and had to be replaced by Daniel Maldini. Maldini almost made an instant impact—first by curling a free kick off the post, and then by missing a one-on-one that should’ve doubled the lead.
The real turning point arrived in the 36th minute. Seydou Fini pulled back Raoul Bellanova as he raced toward goal, and the referee didn’t hesitate. A straight red card was shown, and from that moment, Genoa were fighting uphill.
The second half felt like a slow suffocation for Genoa. With the extra man, Atalanta dominated every phase of play. Marten De Roon fired in a beautiful strike in the 54th minute to make it 2-0. Even with the lead, Atalanta refused to sit back. Pasalic added a third with a simple tap-in after Scamacca mishit a shot, and in stoppage time, 17-year-old Ahanor rose to head in his first-ever Atalanta goal—ironically against his former club.
By the final whistle, the scoreboard showed 4-0, and Atalanta had comfortably punched their ticket to the quarterfinals, where Juventus await in early February. Genoa, meanwhile, were left to reflect on a match that slipped away early and never offered a way back.
Read More:
0 Comments