Atalanta’s impressive 3-0 victory over Torino not only secured their place in fourth in Serie A but also dashed Roma’s dreams of qualifying for the Champions League. With goals from Gianluca Scamacca, Ademola Lookman, and Mario Pasalic, Atalanta put on a dominant display that left Roma in sixth place, later succumbing to a 2-1 defeat at Empoli. The outcome of the game meant that Roma was reliant on Atalanta finishing fifth for their last chance at Champions League qualification. It was a bitter pill for the Giallorossi to swallow, especially on the final day of the Italian league.
Scamacca opened the scoring after a brilliant setup by Charles De Ketelaere, followed by Lookman tapping in a rebound and Pasalic converting a penalty. Lookman’s performance was particularly noteworthy after his hat trick in Atalanta’s Europa League triumph just days before. The fact that the Europa League trophy was displayed on the sideline only added to the significance of the match. Despite rumors linking him to Napoli, Atalanta coach Gian Piero Gasperini affirmed his commitment to the Bergamo side, stating, “I am tied to Atalanta and will continue to be. I am faithful.” This declaration brought a sense of stability amidst the swirling speculation surrounding Gasperini’s future.
Napoli’s Disappointment and Torino’s Europa Conference League Hopes
Meanwhile, defending champions Napoli were left reeling after a goalless draw at home against Lecce. The result saw them finish in a disappointing 10th place, missing out on all European competitions for the next season. On the other hand, Torino, who ended the season in ninth, still have a chance to qualify for the Europa Conference League if Fiorentina emerges victorious in the third-tier European tournament. It was a tale of contrasting fortunes for the two sides, with Napoli experiencing a significant setback while Torino remained hopeful of European football.
The final day of the season also brought drama at the bottom of the table, with three teams fighting to avoid relegation. Empoli and Udinese managed to secure their spots in Serie A for another season, while Frosinone suffered the agony of demotion. Empoli’s victory over Roma, with goals from Matteo Cancellieri and M’Baye Niang, ensured their survival, with Niang’s late winner sealing their fate. Udinese also clinched their safety with a late goal from Keinan Davis. Coach Fabio Cannavaro played a pivotal role in steering Udinese clear of the drop zone after his recent appointment, maintaining the club’s uninterrupted stay in the top division since 1995.
Mixed Results for Inter Milan and Lazio
In other matches, Italian champions Inter Milan were held to a 2-2 draw by Hellas Verona, while Lazio settled for a 1-1 stalemate with already-relegated Sassuolo. The pre-match tribute to former Lazio coach Sven-Goran Eriksson added a touch of nostalgia to the proceedings, highlighting the rich history and personalities that define Italian football. The final day of the Serie A season encapsulated the highs and lows, triumphs and disappointments that make the sport so captivating for fans around the world.