Duvan Zapata gets a new haircut/new hairstyle, and Atalanta wins a Serie A match for the first time in a month. Coincidence? Surely so, but some change every once and awhile is good, especially when it consists of getting back into the win column. Going over land, air, and sea to get to Venice, Atalanta once again took care of business on the road with a comprehensive 3-1 victory over Venezia. While the game may have been a bit dodgy, and more back and forth than Gian Piero Gasperini may have liked (Henry’s canceled header notwithstanding), earning three points – regardless of the method – is always welcomed.
With Mario Pasalic, Duvan Zapata, and Luis Muriel all scoring, Atalanta simultaneously gets its best finishers back on track, while also scoring more than one goal in Serie A for the first time since the end of February. Both Pasalic and Zapata are now on double figure Serie A goals for the season, and Luis Muriel has a puncher’s chance of also finishing with more than nine goals. Perhaps this was the match to get everyone back on track for the season’s final chapter, but for now let’s relish in a comfortably earned three points!
Atalanta Passione’s Match Ratings
Goalkeeper: 6.5 – Juan Musso could have done better on Domen Crnigoj’s goal, but otherwise this was the most confident Musso has looked commanding his box. He was clear and assertive in calling for crosses, and wasn’t apprehensive coming out to clear a few danger balls right on the boundary of the eighteen yard box.
Defense: 6.5 – For only getting 8 shots off, Venezia felt like it had an awful lot of possession in and around the 18 yard box. A few too many passes were likely completed in the final third for Gasperini’s liking, but the defense was ultimately able to clean up nearly all of the loose change. Giorgio Scalvini again shined in his ascent up the roster.
Midfield: 7.5 – It was like a bit of nostalgia with Marten de Roon cleaning up the mess and Remo Freuler charging forward to assist with the buildup. It may not have been the duos most difficult matchup of the year, but neither put a foot wrong.
Wingbacks: 7 – This match felt like it was more Hans Hateboer and Davide Zappacosta’s speed. Hateboer was afforded more freedom to make up for his clunky touches, and he looked to have more confidence getting forward into the box. His partner on the opposite flank has now completed assists in back to back matches, finding Lucho’s head this time around. Zappacosta has been streaky with his crossing this year, so if he has found a bit of a groove, keep letting him pound those balls into the box.
Attack: 7.5 – Everyone was getting in on the fun, and it was a refreshing look at an attack that was never static. All three of Pasalic, Muriel, and Zapata moved all around the attacking line, sharing the flank work, link-up play, and distribution. And sharing is caring. They were all rewarded for their efforts with a goal.
Substitutes: 6.5 – The match was largely sewn up before the substitutes had time to make any impact on the proceedings. It is nice to see Moustapha Cisse get another appearance, even if he didn’t have a chance to test Venezia’s defense.
Atalanta Passione’s Man of the Match – Luis Muriel
Lucho was possessed today. While the entire attack played well – the younger Colombian (by only a handful of days) was the catalyst. He was involved in all three goals, and he was a post clank away from adding a fourth goal on the day. When he has a head of steam going inside the box, especially when cutting in from the left, he can be a cheat code. His strength, balance, and technical ability make it extremely difficult for a defenseman to handle him. Best case for the defense, Lucho wins a corner kick. Worst case scenario, Lucho sets up a teammate for a goal – including today where he gave Zapata one of the easiest goals he’ll ever score.
Some Fun With Numbers
Venezia xG: 0.92 – Atalanta xG: 3.98 – This is the first time in awhile since Atalanta has dominated the xG battle, helped along by the first two being near gimmes. Pasalic’s goal had a 71% chance of being converted, with Zapata’s having a 77% chance of finding the back of the net.
As previously mentioned, both Pasalic and Zapata are on 10 goals this year – becoming one of a handful of teammates to both eclipse double digit goals. As of Saturday the only other combos are Inter (Dzeko/Lautaro), Udinese (Beto/Deulofeu), Sassuolo (Berardi, Scamacca), Hellas Verona (Caprari, Simeone, Barak).
Luis Muriel can actually score with a body part besides his feet (quite a feat!). Saturday was the first time in Muriel’s Atalanta tenure that he used his head to slot home a goal. And you have to go all the way back to November 18, 2017 for the last time Muriel scored a header, when he was slumming it in La Liga with Sevilla against Celta Vigo. Your’s truly was able to find that goal for your viewing pleasure!
Giorgio Scalvini is actually part human! Against Venezia he earned his first caution of the season after pulling David Okereke during a Venezia attack. Amazingly he scored a goal before earning a yellow card in his first Serie A season. As a defender! Levels right there.
Its funny how much three points can calm the waters. Everyone was out for blood after Monday, and now the mood feels a bit more subdued. Not everything is fine and dandy now in Bergamo, but today does at least bring some perspective to situation in Atalanta’s camp. Yes there’s some retooling that still needs to happen, but I think the urgency to clean house is fading into the background of the boardroom. Duvan Zapata’s assurance that he wants to stay in Bergamo is comforting and I think is probably a sentiment that is shared with many among the club. Winning can cure a lot of problems, but also mask dormant problems. Hopefully the balance of what needs and what doesn’t need to be done is deftly handled and us fans can continue to revel in the joy of three points. Just like today! As always, Forza Dea!!!
