Early goals from Krstović and Zappacosta put Atalanta in control, late Thorsby header not enough to save struggling Cremonese on Matchday 24.
Atalanta returned to winning ways in Serie A with a 2–1 home victory over Cremonese, a result that keeps Gianluca Palladino’s side firmly in the hunt for a European place. For Cremonese, the defeat extends a worrying run and leaves Davide Nicola’s team sliding further down the table, now only five points clear of the relegation zone.
Despite late absences for key attackers Charles De Ketelaere and Gianluca Scamacca, Atalanta dominated from the opening minutes and built a deserved two-goal cushion inside the first half-hour.
The breakthrough arrived in the 13th minute and bore the hallmark of a classic center-forward finish. Krstović showed sharp movement inside the box and clinical composure to convert, immediately setting the tone for a one-sided opening spell. Cremonese struggled to cope with Atalanta’s intensity, particularly down the flanks.
Twelve minutes later, the hosts doubled their advantage. Davide Zappacosta surged forward from wing-back, cut inside, and placed a precise shot into the far corner, leaving Audero with no chance. Atalanta could have made it three before the break, with Samardžić rattling the crossbar as Cremonese’s defense continued to creak.
After halftime, the tempo dropped noticeably. Atalanta focused on game management rather than pushing relentlessly for more goals, while Cremonese attempted to reorganize and stay alive in the contest. The visitors’ best moments came late on, but they found Marco Carnesecchi alert when called upon, particularly on a close-range effort from Djuric.
Deep into stoppage time, Cremonese finally found the net through Thorsby, whose header reduced the deficit and briefly injected tension into the Gewiss Stadium. The goal, however, arrived too late to change the outcome, as Atalanta held on comfortably for three vital points.
The win lifts Atalanta closer to the European positions, while Cremonese’s slide continues, with no league victories since early December and growing pressure as the season enters its decisive phase.
Match Report: Atalanta 2–1 Cremonese
Scorers:
13’ Krstović (Atalanta), 25’ Zappacosta (Atalanta), 90+4’ Thorsby (Cremonese)
Atalanta (3-4-1-2):
Carnesecchi; Scalvini, Djimsiti, Kolasinac (Kossounou 59’); Zappacosta (Bellanova 59’), Ederson, Pašalić, Zalewski (Bernasconi 70’); Samardžić (Sulemana 70’), Raspadori (Musah 78’); Krstović.
Head coach: Raffaele Palladino.
Cremonese (3-5-2):
Audero; Ceccherini (Terracciano 39’), Baschirotto, Luperto; Barbieri (Zerbin 84’), Thorsby, Grassi (Payero 63’), Maleh, Pezzella; Bonazzoli (Djuric 46’), Vardy (Sanabria 63’).
Head coach: Davide Nicola.
Referee: Piccinini
Yellow cards: Kolasinac, Kossounou (Atalanta)
