Atalanta kicked off their Serie A season with an emphatic 4-0 victory over Lecce on Monday evening, setting the tone for what could be a promising campaign.
New signings Marco Brescianini and Mateo Retegui played pivotal roles, each scoring twice in their full debuts, showcasing the potential they bring to the team.
Despite the absence of several key players, Atalanta displayed complete dominance throughout the match.
Coming off a 2-0 loss to Real Madrid in the UEFA Super Cup, Atalanta entered this match against Lecce with a significantly weakened lineup, but they still managed to put on a show of strength and cohesion.
Notably, Ademola Lookman and Teun Koopmeiners were absent from the squad, fueling transfer speculations, yet this did not deter Atalanta’s resolve.
Brescianini, who was recently signed from Frosinone, was thrust into the starting lineup and immediately made his presence felt on the pitch.
Lecce started the match on the front foot with aggressive play, but Atalanta gradually wrested control of the game.
Davide Zappacosta and Charles De Ketelaere both had early chances before Brescianini opened the scoring. He capitalized on a rebound from a header by Mateo Retegui that was initially saved by Lecce goalkeeper Wladimiro Falcone.
Just before halftime, Retegui doubled the lead with a powerful header, leaving Lecce with an uphill battle in the second half.
In the second half, Retegui secured his brace with a confidently taken penalty after a VAR review confirmed he had been fouled inside the box.
Brescianini then completed the rout, calmly slotting home a through ball from Mario Pasalic in the 66th minute, ensuring Atalanta’s dominant start to the Serie A campaign.