With Milan and Roma drawing, the table was set for Atalanta to spice things up in the race for the fourth and final Champion’s League spot. And the boys did just that! In heart-attack fashion, the black and blue waited until the final minute to clinch victory in Turin. And if it wasn’t for Atalanta’s D-Zap teammates, it may never have come to fruition. A match focused on compact defense was buoyed by the momentary offensive brilliance of Davide Zappacosta and Duvan Zapata, who now have Atalanta neatly nestled between Inter and Roma-Milan in the standings.
First Half Thoughts
How Davide Zappacosta needled that shot through is still beyond me, but Atalanta will take it. In a cagey match that discouraged any shot whatsoever, getting away with a bit of luck is satisfying – especially when Atalanta doesn’t looked equipped to mount frequent offense.
With Mario Pasalic playing super deep, the plan obviously isn’t to have many men supporting Rasmus Hojlund up front, but I’d wish he’d get a runner or two every now and then to dish the ball off to. Its making Perr Schuurs job way too easy, one more body to worry about, may give Hojlund a bit more space to create more effectively. But now with a lead going into the second forty five, I’d be surprised if it wasn’t more of the same, given that it was wildly effective. No shots for Torino, and minimal touches inside the penalty box is impressive.
Full Time Thoughts
It almost wasn’t to be until another DZ came through with a brilliant solo goal of his own. As he continues to build in confidence and maybe full fitness for the first time this season, Duvan Zapata saved Atalanta’s Champion’s League push. Why Atalanta was even in the position to need a goal in the 23rd hour is annoying, but it hardly matters in the end.
Although the question should be asked whether Atalanta should be playing so passively to protect a lead – especially when we witnessed how quickly they can turn on the jets in search of another goal. Why wasn’t the squad doing that all half, forcing Torino to play out of the back, and not rely on the field position Atalanta was freely conceding. The defense played so well that you can accept it, but had the game finished in a tie…. It also becomes a questionable strategy when Atalanta has no real ability to hit on the counter attack; thus, setting itself up to rely on individual talent to provide any sort of offense out of defense. Fortunately that talent shined through tonight for La Dea.
Nick’s Match Ratings
Marco Sportiello: 7
Rafael Toloi: 7
Berat Djimsiti: 7
Giorgio Scalvini: 7
Joakim Maehle: 6.5
Davide Zappacosta: 7.5
Teun Koopmeiners: 7
Marten de Roon: 7
Ederson: 7
Mario Pasalic: 6.5
Rasmus Hojlund: 6
Duvan Zapata: 7.5
Jeremie Boga: 6.5
Jose Luis Palomino: 6
Luis Muriel: 5
Nick’s Man of the Match: The DZs
Its difficult to choose between Zapata and Zappacosta’s goal, so I won’t. Both of their goals were brilliant, and both equally had a big impact off the ball from their respective positions. As talented as Rasmus Hojlund is, no one can play the hoofball battering ram like Duvan. Similarly, Zappacosta locked down the flank, giving very little room for Valentino Lazaro to work anything from his wing.
Final Match Thoughts
Depending on what happens in tomorrow’s Lazio match, Atalanta continues to maintain relevancy in the Champion’s League chase. A midweek match against Spezia can makes things more interesting, but could also be a stumbling block before Sunday’s decisive showdown against Juventus.
Zapata’s revival has been remarkable over the last two weeks, and it seems like the team goes as far as the Colombian is able to take it. More matches like this, and the rest of the league will have to be on red alert. Still my curiosity remains as to why Atalanta felt the need to play so freakishly defensive against a midtable offense. Maybe Gasperini is hearkening back to his early season spoils playing hyper-defensive, leading to 10 straight matches earning points.
Regardless of what happens, Atalanta at least has very little questions as to what is its best rotations going forward. The fullbacks have been steady to great, while the back three with Djimsiti in the middle often gets overshadowed. Marco Sportiello continues to make excellent reflex saves while not blatantly giving away possession. And of course the midfield three has been on another level, with Zapata maybe reaching his peak seasons from several years back.
I’m not sure about you, but its getting exciting! And if all this suffering we’ve dealt with since November to reach this point culminates in a classic Gasperini second half run – I’ll take it! Great victory today, and let’s keep the momentum into Wednesday! As always, Forza Dea!
