Atlanta hosted Napoli in a match that both teams would have liked to have used to get back on track following average results last week.
It was Napoli that came out on top though after starting the slower of the two teams. They were a little fortunate to be ahead, saved by some quality goalkeeping from Pepe Reina.
The win takes Napoli into the top three again, just one point from the summit as the Juventus charge is still hot on their tail. For Atalanta, a win would have launched them into seventh spot on the ladder but now sit ninth instead.
Napoli back in the top mix of Serie A
After the win against Atalanta and Inter Milan falling in a surprise defeat to Lazio, Napoli, along with Fiorentina, sit just one point off the lead in Serie A. Meanwhile, Juventus now sit one win away from first place with a seventh straight win in the league.
After a slow start to the season, Juve’s rise means it is now even tighter at the top of the league as we start to approach the New Year. This means that every game is even more vital as the halfway point is almost here and every dropped point is critical.
Higuain back on the scoresheet
As most would predict in a Napoli game, Gonzalo Higuain scored again, netting a double either side of Jorginho’s two yellow cards. This now takes him to a total of 16 goals after 17 games.
After one week of being held scoreless, Higuian again looks to be unstoppable and could make an assault on goalscoring records if he continues this form. His first goal saw him heavily defended with arms around him, yet he still managed to head home with ease.
Discipline an issue
There were two red cards in this match, one for each team. Jorginho’s red card was one that was totally unnecessary. No player should receive two yellow cards within two minutes. All know to be careful when on a yellow or run the risk of getting an early shower.
Meanwhile for Atalanta, a red card deep in stoppage time when down 3-1 just is not necessary. Although coaches would want defenders to still put in the effort, getting suspended for three games is not worth that.
Consistency a problem for Atalanta
Atalanta have struggled for consistency this season, being able to put two lots of two wins together for any sort of streak this season. Although the draw is not kind to them, they are struggling to find a winning groove.
For all Atalanta fans, the draw is a little nicer to them with a promising run of fixtures to look forward to in January, most of which they should win.
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