Beukema gives NAPOLI the lead, but Pasalić levels and substitute Samardžić heads home the winner to hand ATALANTA a crucial victory in Bergamo.
Serie A Matchday 26 delivered a major twist in the race for Europe, as Atalanta came from behind to defeat Napoli 2-1 at the Gewiss Stadium.
The win moves ATALANTA to within five points of the Partenopei and firmly back into the Champions League conversation, while NAPOLI—third in the table—now feel the pressure from behind.
First Half: Beukema Strikes
NAPOLI absorbed Atalanta’s energetic start and gradually took control, buoyed by a lively display from Alisson Santos on his first league start.
The breakthrough came in the 18th minute. A pinpoint free kick from Gutierrez found Sam Beukema, who powered a header beyond Carnesecchi to give the visitors a 1-0 lead.
NAPOLI nearly doubled their advantage before halftime, but a penalty initially awarded for a foul on Højlund was overturned after review, keeping ATALANTA within reach.
Second Half: Palladino’s Changes Turn the Game
The momentum shifted after the break. ATALANTA began to push higher and were rewarded in the 61st minute when a corner from Zalewski was met by Mario Pašalić, whose header restored parity.
NAPOLI gradually lost ground, and the decisive moment arrived ten minutes from time. Substitute Bernasconi delivered a perfectly weighted cross, and Lazar Samardžić rose above Olivera to head home the 2-1 winner.
It was a statement performance from ATALANTA’s bench, with Samardžić and Bernasconi proving decisive. NAPOLI, despite a solid hour, faded late and must now look over their shoulder in a tightening top-four race.
Match Report
ATALANTA 2-1 NAPOLI
Scorers:
18’ Beukema (NAPOLI)
61’ Pašalić (ATALANTA)
81’ Samardžić (ATALANTA)
ATALANTA (3-4-2-1):
Carnesecchi; Scalvini (Djimsiti 69’), Hien, Kolašinac (Ahanor 84’); Bellanova (Bernasconi 57’), De Roon, Pašalić, Zappacosta; Sulemana (Samardžić 46’), Zalewski; Krstović (Scamacca 57’).
Head coach: Palladino.
NAPOLI (3-4-2-1):
Milinković-Savić; Beukema, Juan Jesus (Olivera 70’), Buongiorno; Mazzocchi (Politano 63’), Elmas, Lobotka, Gutierrez (Spinazzola 63’); Vergara (Giovane 70’), Alisson Santos (Lukaku 85’); Højlund.
Head coach: Conte.
Referee: Chiffi
Bookings: Juan Jesus (NAPOLI), Zalewski (ATALANTA)
Red cards: None
