Thanks to a late joker goal, Atalanta Bergamo has temporarily regained the lead in the table from Inter Milan. After eleven league wins in a row, Lea Dea failed to score for the first time.
Although Lazio had recently reacted to their heavy 6-0 defeat to Inter Milan by beating Lecce 2-1, coach Marco Baroni decided to make three changes in the top game. Marusic, Tchaouna and Dele-Bashiru replaced the injured Lazarri, as well as Isaksen and Dia (both on the bench).
With Inter having taken the lead at least temporarily with a 3-0 win at Cagliari, the in-form visitors went into the game with the aim of reclaiming first place. Atalanta coach Gian Piero Gasperini had to replace top scorer Retegui, who was injured, after the 3-2 defeat to Empoli and also left Kossounou on the bench. Hien and de Roon moved into the starting lineup.
Lazio set the pace early on
The Biancocelesti’s nominal role as favorites was not initially apparent on the field; instead, it was the home side that repeatedly created dangerous opportunities and generally appeared more alert and purposeful.
La Dea was lucky not to fall behind after twelve minutes when Castellanos twice failed to beat Carnesecchi in a three-on-one chance and Guendouzi then only hit the post. It was not until the 21st minute that the guests made their first notable offensive appearance, although Zappacosta just missed the near corner.
Dele-Bashiru puts Rome in front
While the first half was largely even in terms of possession and passing rate, the hosts had the upper hand in many decisive duels. In view of this fact, too, Dele-Bashiru’s lead was definitely not undeserved. After Rovella’s half-height through ball, the 23-year-old powered the ball into the net from around 15 meters (27′).
In the final minutes before the break, the Biancocelesti continued to dominate the action, but in the end it was the Romans who were responsible for the last goal chance. Djimisti missed an extended cross at the second post by a few centimeters (45.+2).
Cuadrado brings momentum as a joker
While the initial phase after the restart still belonged to the home side, Bergamo increasingly increased the pressure as the game progressed. This resulted in some promising opportunities – including a headed effort from substitute Cuadrado (53′) and a right-footed shot from Lookman (61′).
The latter in particular continued to cause trouble, although he was unable to score on Saturday evening. In the 75th minute, Pellegrini made two crucial line saves to keep out Africa’s footballer of the year.
Unselfish Lookman sets up the equalizer
As the final phase was already in full swing, the ball finally found its way into the Roman net. On a pass from substitute Zaniolos, Lookman kept his head in front of Lazio goalkeeper Provedel and unselfishly crossed to Brescianini, who only had to push it in (88′). Coach Gasperini had brought on the match-winner from the bench just four minutes earlier.
The draw was enough for La Dea to take the lead in the table again for the time being. However, both Inter and Napoli, who have both played a game less than the Biancocelesti so far, could quickly overtake them.
Atalanta will face the Nerazzurri in the Super Cup semi-final on Thursday (8pm CET). In the league, Bergamo will next face Udinese Calcio (Saturday, 3pm CET), while Lazio will play in the derby against Roma (Sunday, 8.45pm CET).
