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Serie A | Atalanta 2-1 Cremonese: Dea do just enough after controlling match

Atalanta won 2-1 with Krstovic and Zappacosta strikes before new signing Morten Thorsby netted a late consolation for Cremonese. Betting takeaway: Atalanta remain strong at home, but Cremonese’s new recruits suggest value in “Atalanta to win & both teams to score” or a small stake on a late-goal market.

Atalanta hold on for 2-1 win as Thorsby ends Cremonese drought

Atalanta beat Cremonese 2-1 at Gewiss Stadium thanks to first-half goals from Nikola Krstovic and Davide Zappacosta, with Morten Thorsby volleying a stoppage-time reply on his debut to end Cremonese’s lengthy goal drought.

First half: Krstovic and Zappacosta strike

Atalanta dominated early pressure and were rewarded when Nikola Krstovic hooked a Giacomo Raspadori cross, turned his marker and smashed home from close range in the 13th minute. The hosts pressed for a second and found it on 25 minutes when Davide Zappacosta sprinted down the right, cut inside Giuseppe Pezzella and curled a left-foot finish into the far corner — his first goal of the season.

Chances and near-misses

Atalanta threatened repeatedly: Raspadori forced a strong save, Lazar Samardzic rattled the crossbar, and Nicola Zalewski dragged a shot narrowly wide. Cremonese had openings too, with Tommaso Barbieri and Morten Thorsby testing the goalkeeper before Federico Ceccherini was forced off with a muscular problem.

Late drama and a goal to end the drought

In stoppage time Milan Djuric thought he had equalised but Marco Carnesecchi kept Atalanta ahead with a goal-line save. A frantic corner saw a Djimsiti touch ruled out for offside. Shortly after, debutant Morten Thorsby controlled a Sebastiano Luperto delivery and volleyed past Carnesecchi to hand Cremonese a consolation and finally restore belief in the visitors’ attack.

Team news and key absences

Atalanta made last-minute adjustments when Charles De Ketelaere pulled out in the warm-up, with Lazar Samardzic coming in. The hosts also had fitness concerns over Gianluca Scamacca. Cremonese were missing several regulars but introduced new signings Morten Thorsby and Youssef Maleh, the former making an immediate impact by scoring on his debut.

What this means for both sides

Atalanta remain a tough home side with attacking firepower and a number of chance-creation threats. Cremonese showed signs of revival through their new arrivals and can claim momentum from a late goal despite the defeat. Tactical solidity and finishing remain decisive for Atalanta; Cremonese will hope their new signings keep producing late pressure.