Atalanta
Atalanta Storm to Serie A Victory With Lightning Start
Atalanta demolished Venezia 3-1 in Serie A’s sixth round, exploding into life with two goals in six chaotic first-half minutes before seeing off a spirited second half fightback. The Bergamo side rode Nikola Krstović’s brace and Franck Kessié’s early strike to their third league win of the season, despite ending with ten men after Elif Elmas’ late dismissal.
Venezia Collapse Under Early Atalanta Barrage
The Gewiss Stadium erupted after just four minutes when Kessié slammed home Krstović’s cutback, the Ivorian celebrating wildly in front of the Curva Nord. Before Venezia could reset, Krstović doubled the lead two minutes later, tapping in Elmas’ deflected cross at the far post as goalkeeper Stanković stood stranded. Gasps turned to disbelief when Krstović made it 3-0 on the half-hour, dispossessing Juan Jesus before curling a gorgeous shot into the top corner – his fourth goal in three games.
Venezia coach Stroppa’s emergency 8th-minute substitution of Correia for Sagrado failed to stem the bleeding. Matias Moreno’s booking for a desperate lunge on De Ketelaere encapsulated their first-half trauma. Yet against the run of play, Antoine Hainaut pulled one back in the 37th minute, volleying in Sagrado’s cross to give the lagoon side a lifeline.
Venezia’s Possession Dominance Fails to Break Atalanta Resistance
The visitors monopolized 64% possession and outpassed Atalanta 581 to 331, but Marco Carnesecchi’s three saves kept them at bay. Juan Jesus’ yellow card for hacking down Krstović typified Venezia’s frustration before halftime. Sarri’s five second-half substitutions disrupted Venezia’s rhythm, with Lazar Samardžić immediately adding midfield control.
Elmas’ 89th-minute red card – upgraded from yellow after VAR spotted his studs-up lunge on Sohm – set up a nervy finale. But Atalanta’s compact 4-4-1 held firm, their 16 shots inside the box underlining their cutting edge.
Serie A Implications For Both Sides
This statement win lifts Atalanta into the European conversation, Krstović emerging as Serie A’s latest goal sensation. For Venezia, a third straight defeat leaves them staring at the drop zone, their possession stats masking defensive frailties. Both sides face midweek Coppa Italia ties before returning to league action – Atalanta’s firepower making them dangerous dark horses, while Venezia must urgently address their leaky backline.
Key Moments
4′ ⚽ Atalanta — Franck Kessié (assist: Nikola Krstović)
6′ ⚽ Atalanta — Nikola Krstović (assist: Elif Elmas)
30′ ⚽ Atalanta — Nikola Krstović
37′ ⚽ Venezia — Antoine Hainaut (assist: Richie Sagrado)
