Reuters, November 5 – Victor Osimhen and Eljif Elmas’ goals in the first half gave Napoli a 2-1 comeback victory at second-placed Atalanta on Saturday, extending their Serie A winning streak to nine games and increasing their lead at the top to eight points.
Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, a promising young winger for Luciano Spalletti’s team, was absent due to severe lower back pain that he experienced during practise on Friday.
The Napoli coach, Luciano Spalletti, remarked to DAZN, “It was a difficult match. Everyone claimed they were three massive points if we managed to win, but what we want to achieve means every three points are vital.”
After three minutes, Atalanta’s Rasmus Hojlund had a one-on-one opportunity with Napoli goalkeeper Alex Meret, but Meret stopped him.
Ademola Lookman of the home team then put the game on the board after 19 minutes with a penalty following a handball by Osimhen.
Four minutes later, the 23-year-old Nigerian international for Napoli headed Piotr Zielinski’s cross into the net to make amends.
After receiving a pass from Osimhen inside the box, Elmas gave the visitors the lead in the 35th, and his shot was deflected just enough by Atalanta’s Hans Hateboers to find the back of the net.
The hosts came out strong in the second half, looking for an equaliser. After 55 minutes, Meret made a spectacular stop on an effort from Joakim Maehle, and Lookman smacked the rebound against the crossbar.
Despite constant pressure, Gian Piero Gasperini’s team was unable to score again, and at the hour mark, Napoli began to exert more of an impact on the match.
Napoli comes from behind to defeat Atalanta 2-1 in a top-of-the-table match.
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