Atalanta 2-3 Como: Visitors kick start their season with impressive away victory
Como achieved a remarkable victory in their first match since returning to the top division, overcoming a half-time deficit to defeat Europa League champions Atalanta 3-2 at the Gewiss Stadium.
The match, which had to be rescheduled due to heavy rainfall that rendered the pitch unplayable just a day prior, saw the home team start with greater intensity.
Mateo Retegui, who shares the title of Serie A’s top scorer, nearly opened the scoring within the first ten minutes, forcing a clever save from Emil Audero at his near post after receiving a pass from Charles De Ketelaere.
However, Atalanta took the lead in the 18th minute when Davide Zappacosta capitalized on a failure to clear a corner, striking from the edge of the penalty area, a situation Audero could not prevent.
Despite the disappointment of falling behind in such a manner, Como responded admirably and were unfortunate not to equalize before half-time.
Patrick Cutrone was thwarted twice by Atalanta's substitute goalkeeper Marco Carnesecchi, who made impressive saves, while Gabriel Strefezza missed a chance by firing wide from a promising position, leaving the hosts feeling aggrieved.
The second half, however, proved to be a different story, as Como scored three times within just 13 minutes of the restart.
Only 22 seconds into the half, Strefezza equalized, finishing expertly into the corner of the net after being set up by a brilliant backheel from Sergi Roberto.
Nico Paz then put Como ahead with a shot that took a significant deflection, leaving the beleaguered goalkeeper with no chance, and Alieu Fadera capped the scoring by skillfully maneuvering past Marten De Roon before finding the far corner, stunning the home crowd.
Atalanta struggled to respond effectively, with Ademola Lookman converting a penalty in the 98th minute, but it came far too late to instigate a genuine comeback.
Consequently, they experienced their third loss in four league matches, marking a continued disappointing beginning to the season. However, it was a fortunate fifth attempt for Como, as they successfully ascended from the Serie A relegation zone with a remarkable victory over opponents of considerable quality.
SportsLigue