Both teams entered this Bergamo clash desperately needing points to climb away from Serie A's lower reaches. Atalanta, sitting 12th with 16 points, sought to build momentum after a stuttering start to their campaign, while 15th-placed Cagliari arrived with just 11 points and growing concerns about their league position. The hosts ultimately secured a 2-1 victory that provided crucial breathing room in the standings.
Gianluca Scamacca emerged as the afternoon's hero with a perfectly-timed brace that showcased his clinical finishing ability. The striker opened the scoring in the 11th minute, prodding home from very close range after Davide Zappacosta's precise assist created the opportunity. Scamacca positioned himself expertly in the six-yard box, steering his right-footed effort into the bottom left corner to give Atalanta the perfect start. The drama intensified in the final quarter-hour when Gianluca Gaetano leveled matters in the 75th minute, sweeping Sebastiano Esposito's assist into the bottom right corner with a composed right-footed finish. However, Scamacca refused to be denied, drilling his second goal just six minutes later with another right-footed strike from the center of the box that found the middle of the net.
The tactical battle saw Atalanta dominate possession and territory throughout, with Charles De Ketelaere and Ademola Lookman providing creative spark behind Scamacca. Cagliari's defensive structure, marshaled by Sebastiano Luperto, held firm for long periods but struggled to contain Atalanta's attacking rotations. The visitors' best moments came through quick transitions, with Michael Folorunsho and Alessandro Deiola working tirelessly in midfield to create opportunities for their forwards.
Atalanta's statistical dominance told the story of their control, registering 17 shots compared to Cagliari's eight while enjoying 58% possession. The hosts forced eight shots on target, with Elia Caprile producing several crucial saves to keep Cagliari competitive, including a brilliant double stop from Nicola Zalewski in the 85th minute. Cagliari managed just one shot on target but made it count through Gaetano's equalizer, though their six yellow cards reflected the physical nature of their defensive approach.
The turning point arrived with Atalanta's tactical adjustments in the final third of the match. Gian Piero Gasperini's introduction of Nicola Zalewski and Mario Pasalic in the 79th minute provided fresh impetus, with the substitutes immediately testing Caprile before Scamacca delivered the decisive blow just two minutes later.
Atalanta will travel to face Genoa on December 21st, seeking to build on this momentum and continue their climb up the table. Cagliari return home to host Pisa on the same date, with manager Claudio Ranieri needing his side to rediscover their scoring touch after managing just one goal from eight attempts in this defeat.