Empoli vs Atalanta

Following a disappointing exit from European competition, Atalanta BC must now focus on strengthening their hold on a top-four position in Serie A as they prepare to face Empoli in an important league encounter on Sunday. The team from Bergamo approaches this crucial match at Stadio Castellani after suffering a 5-2 aggregate defeat in the Champions League playoffs. Meanwhile, their opponents, Empoli, have been in poor form, losing five of their last six matches, which has left them in serious relegation trouble.

Atalanta entered the second leg of their Champions League playoff against Club Brugge with the objective of overturning a one-goal deficit. However, their hopes were dealt a major blow almost immediately, as they conceded on the counterattack within the first three minutes. What followed was a nightmare of a first half, as they allowed two more goals before the interval, leaving them with a near-impossible task in the second half. Although substitute Ademola Lookman managed to pull one goal back shortly after the break, the Nigerian forward then missed a crucial penalty that could have provided Atalanta with a fighting chance. Adding to their misery, club captain Rafael Toloi received a red card in embarrassing fashion, further compounding their woes.

The disappointing elimination marked the end of their journey in UEFA's most prestigious club competition, leaving a bitter taste among players and fans alike. Head coach Gian Piero Gasperini also sparked controversy with his post-match comments, particularly regarding Lookman, who had been the team’s hero in the previous season’s Europa League final in Dublin. Atalanta, who lifted the Europa League trophy last year, had high hopes for a strong run in the Champions League, but their aspirations were abruptly cut short.

This latest setback is part of what has been an inconsistent start to the calendar year for La Dea. Their struggles have not been limited to Europe, as they also suffered disappointment in domestic cup competitions. Atalanta failed to make an impact in the Supercoppa and the Coppa Italia, falling short in both tournaments. Additionally, their Serie A form has been erratic, undermining their efforts to establish themselves as genuine title contenders.

Since the beginning of 2025, Atalanta's league performances have left much to be desired. If one were to consider the standings based solely on results from this year, the Bergamo side would find themselves in 10th place. Their fading title hopes suffered another setback last weekend when they were held to a goalless draw by Cagliari, a result that further underlined their recent struggles. Despite occupying third place in the overall Serie A standings, they trail behind league leaders Inter Milan and reigning champions Napoli, making it imperative for them to secure as many points as possible to maintain their place in the top four.

Although their recent form has been underwhelming, Atalanta can take solace in their impressive away record. As they prepare to visit Tuscany for the clash against Empoli, they remain unbeaten in their last 10 Serie A matches away from home. This remarkable streak represents the second-longest run of undefeated away games under Gasperini’s tenure, providing a much-needed source of confidence heading into Sunday’s fixture.

Empoli, on the other hand, find themselves in a dire situation. Their recent history against Atalanta offers little encouragement, as they have lost their last five meetings against La Dea. This includes an action-packed 3-2 defeat in December, a match that showcased Empoli’s vulnerabilities. Furthermore, their struggles at Stadio Castellani have been well documented, with five losses in their last six home encounters against Atalanta. Given their current predicament, the odds seem stacked against them as they attempt to break this losing cycle.

The situation has become increasingly desperate for the Azzurri, as they continue to slide towards relegation. Unless they can reverse their fortunes soon, they risk being consigned to Serie B by the season’s end. Roberto D'Aversa’s side has been plagued by injuries, which has only exacerbated their problems. In their most recent outing, they suffered a heavy 3-0 defeat to Udinese, a result that extended their losing streak to three consecutive matches in February. Their defensive frailties were ruthlessly exposed during this period, as they conceded nine goals while managing to score just once.

Empoli's struggles have been particularly evident in 2025, a year in which they have accumulated the joint-fewest points in Serie A. Alongside Parma, they have managed to collect just two points since the turn of the year, a statistic that highlights the severity of their decline. Furthermore, their defensive record has been alarming, with 17 goals conceded in the same timeframe. This disastrous run of results has left them languishing in the relegation zone, with time running out for them to turn things around.

While Empoli may have one eye on their upcoming Coppa Italia quarter-final clash against Juventus, their immediate priority must be securing crucial points in the league. D'Aversa will be acutely aware of the need to capitalize on Atalanta's recent setbacks and will aim to inspire his team to produce a much-improved performance. Securing a rare home victory in Serie A would provide a significant boost to their survival hopes, but it will require a dramatic improvement in form and execution.

Atalanta, despite their European disappointment, will approach this match with a sense of determination. Their primary objective now is to ensure that they do not let their top-four position slip away. While their performances in 2025 have been inconsistent, their squad possesses the quality and experience required to navigate this challenging phase. Gasperini will be looking for a strong response from his players, particularly from the likes of Lookman, who will be eager to put his penalty miss behind him and rediscover his best form.

As the two teams prepare to face off, contrasting objectives will be at play. Atalanta will be looking to consolidate their place in the Champions League spots, while Empoli will be fighting for their top-flight survival. The outcome of this match could have significant implications for both sides, making it a crucial fixture in the context of their respective campaigns. Atalanta will need to demonstrate resilience and efficiency to avoid further disappointment, while Empoli must summon every ounce of determination to defy the odds and secure a much-needed result.

Ultimately, Sunday’s clash at Stadio Castellani presents an opportunity for Atalanta to reaffirm their credentials as a top-four contender, while Empoli will be desperate to halt their alarming slide towards Serie B. The stakes are high, and both teams have much to prove as they step onto the pitch in pursuit of three vital points.