Under-23s: Atalanta 3-2 Giana Erminio
An Italeng brace and a goal from Mallamo secure our first historic league victory
Group A Matchday 3 of 2023/24 Serie C NOW saw Atalanta's Under-23s seal their first historic league victory as Francesco Modesto's lads edged Giana Erminio 3-2 in a closely contested game at the municipal stadium in Caravaggio thanks to an Italeng brace and a goal from Mallamo.
After Italeng's 9th-minute strike assisted by Bonfanti gave Atalanta the advantage, the visitors had the opportunity to level the score in the 22nd minute, but a smart clearance from Bonfanti muted Giana Erminio's chance. Mallamo could have doubled Atalanta's lead in the 38th minute but failed to meet Palestra's pass as the visiting defenders managed to deflect it for a corner. Yet, there was time for another Atalanta goal before half-time as a wonderful play by captain Masi set up Italeng once again, who grabbed his second in the 45th minute: after his effort was parried by the keeper, he managed to tap in the rebound with his head. However, Minotti halved Giana Erminio's deficit in injury time by nodding in a free-kick from the right.
The second half saw the Nerazzurri extend their lead in the 58th minute through Mallamo, who made it 3-1 with a clinical free-kick, but Giana were not ready to give in and Verde made it 3-2 20 minutes later after a quick give and go. The visitors pushed hard in search of an equaliser but the Atalanta defenders managed to hold out well and, despite an 89-minute threat, secured a 3-2 victory, namely their first historic success in the Serie C league, and moved up to 4 points in the standings.
ATALANTA U23 3-2 GIANA ERMINIO
Scorers: Italeng 9, 45 (A), Minotti 47 (G), Mallamo 58 (A), Verde 78 (G).
Atalanta Under 23: Vismara, Palestra (Bernasconi 91), Bonfanti, Italeng, Solcia, Di Serio (De Nipoti 88), Ceresoli (Mora 91), Masi, Chiwisa, Awua, Mallamo (Sidibe 76). Unused bench: Gelmi, Avogadri, Del Lungo, Berto, Mendicino, Roaldsøy, Pagani, Regonesi, Colombo, Cortinovis. Coach: Francesco Modesto.
Giana Erminio: Zacchi, Ferrante (Verde 70), Pinto (Ballabio 70), Fumagalli, Fall (Marotta 70), Lamesta, Messaggi (Caferri 60), Franzoni, Previtali (Groppelli 84), Minotti, Piazza. Unused bench: Pirola, Magni, Perna, Francolini, Barzotti, Verde. Coach: Alberto Sala (suspended Andrea Chiappella).
Referee: Giorgio Di Cicco from Lanciano. Assistant referees: Gianmarco Macripò from Siena and Giuseppe Romaniello from Naples. Fourth official: Francesco Ennio Gallo from Bologna.
Notes: Ferrante (G), Masi (A), Franzoni (G) and Fumagalli (G) booked.