In its fort (now always sold out), Atalanta, in order not to be left behind, had the “obligation” to win. To withstand the pressure which, until some time ago, was his weak point. Instead, even if after only 13 minutes they conceded Colombo's 1-0, the Dea did not lose heart, beating Empoli (3-2) with a final magic from De Ketelaere (author of a brace). For CDK it is the tenth goal of the season. Speaking of maximizing cash flows, what does that genius Cardinale think of the rebirth of the blond phenomenon?
And Napoli? It must be said that Conte's team is not joking. It's true that in Genoa in the second half he risked being caught for an about-face that his coach didn't like. But the Neapolitans don't give up an inch. Despite some strange alternations (excellent first half, heavy decline in the second), in the end they still manage to reach their goal.
“The boys know that I'm very angry…” Conte mutters. The coach knows these dynamics well: championships are also won for these details. However, 38 points are eleven more than last year. An excellent result. But Conte's added value is precisely this meticulousness that borders on mania. “We were passive, we chose to suffer” concludes Italy's most dissatisfied coach.
Balotelli is back
Paradoxically, Genoa are happier, satisfied with having made their opponents sweat. Viera, the coach, was impressed by the rossoblù's second half. “He must give us confidence for the future” says the Frenchman, even complimenting Balotelli, who was unleashed in the final minutes. For the series, “Sometimes They Come Back”, Balo is back. We'll see how long it stays. Anyway, a merry Christmas to him too.
In this gift-hunting weekend, Lazio, after the match against Inter, regained victory in Lecce with a shot from Marusic two minutes from the end. A 2-1 which rewarded the Biancocelesti a little too much, with one more player (Guilbert sent off) for almost the entire second half. The Salento team also hit the crossbar with Kaba in full recovery, but it was clear that fate was on Lazio's side, who were good at reacting after last week's fall at the Olimpico. In five days they will face Atalanta. Certainly less generous than Lecce.
