In a match that had everything from early promise to late drama, Atalanta secured a hard-fought 2-1 win against Como at the Gewiss Stadium on Saturday evening. The home side, still buzzing from their midweek Champions League triumph over Club Brugge, started brightly but found themselves tested by a Como outfit that's been punching above its weight this season. Indeed, the visitors arrived with confidence after a solid run, including that surprise draw against Juventus just two weeks back.
Ademola Lookman opened the scoring for Atalanta in the 23rd minute, his curling effort from the edge of the box leaving Como's keeper rooted to the spot. It was a moment of class amid some scrappy play—Atalanta's midfield, depleted by injuries to the likes of Scalvini and Scamacca, struggled to impose rhythm early on. However, they doubled down before halftime when Charles De Ketelaere nodded in from a corner, making it 2-0 and seemingly putting the game to bed. Or so it seemed.
Como, to their credit, refused to fold. Manager Cesc Fàbregas—yes, the former Arsenal star now calling the shots—urged his team forward, and they pulled one back through a deflected shot by Patrick Cutrone in the 67th minute. Suddenly, the stadium tensed; Atalanta's defense, already makeshift with Bellanova sidelined, looked vulnerable. Yet, in a display of gritty resolve, Gian Piero Gasperini's men held firm through seven minutes of added time, denying Como a share of the spoils despite their late pressure.
This result keeps Atalanta firmly in the top four chase, now on 18 points from nine games, while Como slips to eighth with 12. It's another reminder of Serie A's unpredictability—Atalanta's attacking flair shines, but their injury woes expose frailties that could cost them come spring. Moreover, Fàbregas's influence is starting to show; his Como side played with a sophistication that belied their status as newcomers to the top flight.
However, questions linger over Atalanta's squad depth. Will they rotate enough to sustain this form across Europe and Italy? The season's long, after all, and such battles only hint at tougher tests ahead.