Atalanta closed the gap to Serie A leaders Napoli to just three points with an impressive 3-0 victory at the Stadio Diego Armando Maradona, marking their fifth consecutive league win.Napoli entered the match with a formidable defensive record, having conceded only five goals in their first 10 Serie A matches, the best in the league. However, Atalanta, boasting the division’s most potent attack, took control early, with Ademola Lookman leading the charge. While Romelu Lukaku registered the game’s first shot on target — a tame header caught easily by Marco Carnesecchi — it was Lookman who opened the scoring for Atalanta. He converted a close-range volley into the bottom corner after a clever flick-on from Charles De Ketelaere.Napoli nearly responded immediately as Scott McTominay’s powerful strike from outside the box rattled the woodwork, but that was as close as they came in a disappointing first half. Atalanta capitalized on their momentum, with Lookman doubling the lead when his curling shot slipped past Alex Meret, who could have done better to keep it out. Mario Pašalić nearly made it 3-0 just before halftime but couldn’t connect with De Ketelaere’s precise cross.Despite expectations of a Napoli resurgence in the second half, Antonio Conte’s side struggled to challenge Atalanta. The visitors looked more likely to score again, and Lookman came close when he struck the side netting following a rapid counterattack.Atalanta sealed their victory in injury time when substitute Mateo Retegui, surprisingly left out of the starting lineup, volleyed home his league-leading 11th goal of the season. This comprehensive performance cements Atalanta’s place in the title race. For Napoli, who suffered their first defeat in 10 matches, the passive second-half display will likely be Conte’s biggest concern. They now face a challenging away game against reigning champions Inter Milan before the international break.SERIE A – MATCHDAY 11Saturday Bologna – Lecce 1-0 (0-0)/Orsolini 85/Udinese – Juventus 0-2 (0-2)/Okoye 19 og, Savona 37/Monza – Milan 0-1 (0-1)/Rejinders 43/Sunday Napoli – Atalanta 0-3 (0-2)/Lookman 10, 31, Retegui 90+3/17.00: (3.25) Torino (3.40) Fiorentina (2.35)20.00: (4.80) Verona (3.60) Roma (1.85)22.45: (1.17) Inter (7.50) Venezia (16.0)Monday 20.30: (2.85) Empoli (3.10) Como (2.65)20.30: (1.88) Parma (3.50) Genoa (4.20)22.45: (1.50) Lazio (4.20) Cagliari (6.75)***odds are subject to change***
