Atalanta defeats Empoli to maintain Seria A top spot

Atalanta came from behind to secure a 3-2 comeback win over Empoli, as they detrone Napoli again as league leaders.

Charles De Ketelaere bagged a splendid brace to complete the comeback and give Atalanta their 11th consecutive Serie A victory.

Empoli took a shocking lead as Liam Henderson pulled back for Lorenzo Colombo to volley in from eight yards.

Atalanta suffered another blow as they lost Mateo Retegui to a muscular injury after just 21 minutes.

The hosts however equalised when Davide Zappacosta’s cross found Charles De Ketelaere, who sent a diving header into the bottom corner.

Atalanta then took the lead on the stroke of half-time, when Zaniolo nodded down De Ketelaere’s cross for Ademola Lookman to drill in from a tricky angle.

However, the host fell to an equaliser as Empoli received a penalty following a VAR review after Djimsiti caught Alberto Grassi’s boot. Esposito converted with power from the spot kick to make it 2-2.

Atalanta continued to fight hard to break a rugged Empoli side and were lucky to find the winner, with a beauty from De Ketelaere.

The Belgian picked up the ball from down the right flank, cut inside to dribble past four and sent a ball into the bottom corner, to make it 3-2.

The victory ensured De Lea stays as league leaders, with two points over Napoli.