In a stunning display of depth and resilience, Atalanta overcame significant personnel challenges to secure a commanding 4-0 victory over Lecce in their Serie A season opener. The win was particularly impressive given the absence of several key players and recent transfer drama surrounding the club.
Newcomers Marco Brescianini and Mateo Retegui were the stars of the show, each netting a brace to power Atalanta to victory. Brescianini, who had only recently completed his transfer from Frosinone, made an immediate impact on his debut, opening the scoring in the 35th minute and adding another in the 66th.
Retegui, another recent acquisition, proved his worth with a header just before halftime and a penalty conversion in the 57th minute. The striker’s performance was especially noteworthy given the injury to Gianluca Scamacca and the ongoing transfer saga involving Ademola Lookman.
Atalanta’s triumph came despite missing several important players. Lookman and Teun Koopmeiners were absent due to transfer-related issues, while injuries sidelined Nicolò Zaniolo, Rafael Toloi, Sead Kolasinac, and Giorgio Scalvini. Additionally, El Bilal Toure was reportedly on the verge of a move to Stuttgart.
The match saw Atalanta gradually assert their dominance after a strong start from Lecce. Davide Zappacosta and Charles De Ketelaere both came close to scoring before Brescianini broke the deadlock. Lecce had their chances but were unable to capitalize, with Juan Musso making crucial saves to preserve the clean sheet.
Goals: Brescianini 35, 66 (A), Retegui 45, pen 57 (A)
Lecce: Falcone; Gendrey, Gaspar, Baschirotto, Gallo; Ramadani (Marchwinski 76), Pierret (Coulibaly 46); Morente (Banda 46), Rafia (M Berisha 83), Dorgu; Krstovic (Pierotti 68)
Atalanta: Musso; Djimsiti, Hien, De Roon; Zappacosta (Godfrey 68), Ederson, Pasalic (Sulemana 89), Ruggeri; Brescianini (Palestra 89); De Ketelaere (Bakker 68), Retegui (Cassa 83)
