Atalanta's Charles De Ketelaere was the hero after scoring a late winner to secure a 3-2 victory over mid-table Empoli and send his side back to the top of Serie A on Sunday (Dec 22). The Belgian weaved his way to the edge of the box four minutes from time, skilfully holding off defenders before drilling a low shot into the bottom corner to earn the points. Atalanta now lead the table on 40 points, two ahead of Napoli, who won 2-1 at Genoa on Saturday, and six in front of Inter Milan, who have two games in hand, and Lazio. Gian Piero Gasperini's Atalanta side look unstoppable. With 11 Serie A wins in a row, and 13 in total, they have the most in the big five European leagues this season.
In-form Atalanta scored a late winner to beat Empoli and ensure they will be top of Serie A on Christmas Day.
Mid-table Empoli led when Lorenzo Colombo volleyed in from Scot Liam Henderson's cross. Charles de Ketelaere levelled with a diving header with Ademola Lookman giving Atalanta the lead in first-half stoppage time.
Empoli equalised though through a Sebastiano Esposito penalty but De Ketelaere struck a late second to win the game for the Bergamo side.
Atalanta, who have won 11 Serie A games in a row, are two points above second-placed Napoli. They face fourth-placed Lazio on Dec 28.
Atalanta have never won the Serie A title. Their only major trophies are the 1963 Coppa Italia and last season's Europa League.
"It's been a wonderful year; we're sorry it's ending. Let's hope that 2025 will be just as good," said boss Gian Piero Gasperini. "It won't be easy, but beyond the results I'm very happy with the spirit that there is in this team."
