The Italian striker strikes twice as Atalanta build momentum in Serie A; Cagliari kept alive by Caprile but fall in Bergamo
Atalanta continued their positive run with a 2–1 home win over Cagliari, riding a dominant performance and a decisive brace from Gianluca Scamacca. Fresh off their Champions League success against Chelsea, Gianluca Palladino’s side showed signs of growing consistency, while the visitors—despite an excellent showing from goalkeeper Elia Caprile—left Bergamo empty-handed.
Atalanta took control early and were rewarded in the 11th minute. Zappacosta’s low shot found a decisive deflection from Scamacca, who once again proved sharp inside the box. The hosts pushed for a second goal throughout the first half, repeatedly testing Caprile, who kept Cagliari in the game with a series of impressive saves on Lookman and De Ketelaere.
The pace dropped slightly after the break, with Atalanta managing their energy following midweek European duties. Cagliari struggled to create chances and managed just one shot on target all night—but it turned into a goal. Substitute Gianluca Gaetano combined neatly with Esposito before finishing calmly to level the score.
The equalizer briefly stunned the home crowd, but Atalanta responded immediately. Scamacca struck again in the 81st minute, reacting quickest after a loose ball in the box to restore the lead. It was his fifth goal in his last five matches, confirming his return to top form.
Atalanta closed out the match without major scares, collecting three valuable points as they look to rejoin the European race. Cagliari, meanwhile, will look to bounce back next weekend at home against Pisa.
Match Report
Atalanta 2–1 Cagliari
Scorers:
11’ Scamacca (A)
75’ Gaetano (C)
81’ Scamacca (A)
Atalanta (3-4-2-1):
Carnesecchi; Kossounou, Djimsiti (55’ Ahanor), Kolasinac; Zappacosta (79’ Samardzic), De Roon, Ederson (66’ Musah), Bernasconi (66’ Zalewski); De Ketelaere, Lookman; Scamacca.
Head coach: Palladino
Cagliari (3-5-2):
Caprile; Zappa (58’ Prati), Luperto (88’ Pavoletti), Rodriguez (67’ Idrissi); Palestra, Adopo (88’ Luvumbo), Deiola, Folorunsho, Obert; Esposito, Borrelli (58’ Gaetano).
Head coach: Pisacane
Yellow cards: Bernasconi (Atalanta), Rodriguez (Cagliari), Gaetano (Cagliari)
Red cards: None
