The Italian Serie A has kicked off its new season with a bang, as Atalanta delivered a stunning performance against newly-promoted side Lecce in their opening game on August 19th. The Bergamo-based team showed their dominance with a resounding 4-0 victory over their opponents at the Via del Mare stadium.
Atalanta, known for their attacking style of play, wasted no time in taking control of the game. The team’s star striker, Duvan Zapata, opened the scoring in the 26th minute with a powerful header, followed by a goal from Robin Gosens just five minutes later. The first half ended with Atalanta leading 2-0 and Lecce struggling to keep up with their opponents’ pace.
The second half saw Atalanta continue their dominance, with Zapata scoring his second goal of the game in the 53rd minute. Lecce, who were playing their first Serie A game in seven years, were unable to mount a comeback and Atalanta’s Josip Ilicic sealed the victory with a fourth goal in the 90th minute.
Atalanta’s impressive performance was not only evident in the scoreline, but also in their attacking stats. The team had 23 shots on goal, with 11 of them on target, while Lecce only managed 6 shots with 2 on target. Atalanta also dominated possession with 62% of the ball.
This victory marks a strong start to the new season for Atalanta, who finished third in Serie A last year and secured a spot in the Champions League for the first time in their history. With the team’s attacking mentality and talented players, they are looking to make a statement in both the domestic league and on the European stage.
On the other hand, Lecce will have to regroup quickly after this defeat and work on their game plan if they want to avoid a relegation battle this season. The team, which was promoted from Serie B last year, will need to adapt quickly to the faster pace and higher quality of football in Serie A.
Overall, this was an impressive display from Atalanta, who will be looking to continue their winning ways in the upcoming matches. With the likes of Zapata, Ilicic, and Papu Gomez leading the attack, Atalanta’s fans have a lot to be excited about this season. The team will be hoping to build on this performance and challenge for a top spot in the league.
As for Lecce, they may have suffered a heavy defeat in their first game, but they will be looking to bounce back and prove themselves in the coming weeks. With their passionate fans behind them, Lecce will be determined to make their return to Serie A a successful one.
In conclusion, Atalanta’s impressive 4-0 victory over Lecce in the opening game of the new Serie A season has set the tone for an exciting and competitive season ahead. With their attacking prowess and determination, Atalanta will be a team to watch out for, while Lecce will be looking to prove their worth in the top flight of Italian football.
