Atalanta are through to their first European final after overcoming Marseille 3-0 in Bergamo, completing a 4-1 win on aggregate to make the UEFA Europa League showpiece in Dublin. Stunners by Ademola Lookman and Matteo Ruggeri put the Italians in control before El Bilal Toure wrapped up the scoring in added-time. Gian Piero Gasperini’s side will play Bayer Leverkusen in the final. Ademola Lookman played a starring role as Atalanta booked their spot in the 2024 UEFA Europa League final with a 3-0 victory at home to Marseille.
The Nigeria international struck a deflected opener on the half-hour mark and was a constant menace as La Dea secured a 4-1 success on aggregate.
Gian Piero Gasperini’s side looked the more threatening from the off with Gianluca Scamacca hitting the woodwork and Charles De Ketelaere twice going close to putting the tie beyond the French outfit, before Lookman broke the deadlock from distance.
Iliman Ndiaye lobbed wide with a gilt-edged chance to level for the visitors following the restart and he was made to pay on 52 minutes when Matteo Ruggeri played a one-two with Lookman and rifled a stunning strike into the top corner.
Marseille almost seized a lifeline when Jordan Veretout’s deep free-kick was misjudged by La Dea keeper Juan Musso, but it cannoned back off the crossbar.
Atalanta then put the icing on the cake deep into stoppage time through substitute El Bilal Toure and will now meet Bayer Leverkusen in their first major European final in Dublin on May 22.
AWESOME ATALANTA ARE DUBLIN-BOUND
Gasperini described this second leg as the biggest night of his managerial career – and his team delivered to ensure it was one he will remember forever.
La Dea sent shockwaves around Europe when they dumped favourites Liverpool out in comprehensive style in the last eight and they backed it up by navigating this semi-final tie with real authority.
It could yet be a season for the ages for the Serie A outfit with a Coppa Italia final with Juventus coming up next Wednesday and a top-four finish still within their sights. Indeed, more big nights are on the agenda in the coming weeks for Gasperini as he finally enjoys the spotlight his coaching ability deserves.
PLAYER OF THE MATCH – ADEMOLA LOOKMAN (ATALANTA)
The former Everton winger marked a lively performance with a goal and an assist. The 26-year-old linked well with the likes of Scamacca and the impressive Teun Koopmeiners as the Serie A outfit carved out the better openings and deservedly booked their spot in the final.
PLAYER RATINGS
ATALANTA: Musso 7, De Roon 7, Hien 8, Djimsiti 7, Zappacosta 7, Koopmeiners 8, Ederson 7, Ruggeri 8, De Ketelaere 7, Lookman 8*, Scamacca 7. Subs: Scalvini 6, Miranchuk 6, Pasalic 6, Toure 7, Hateboer 6.
MARSEILLE: Lopez 7, Mbemba 6, Gigot 6, Balerdi 6, Clauss 6, Harit 6, Kondogbia 6, Veretout 7, Merlin 6, Aubameyang 6, Ndiaye 5. Subs: Ounahi 6, Sarr 6, Henrique 6, Moumbagna 6, Correa n/a.
MATCH HIGHLIGHTS
25’ – ATALANTA CHANCE! Koopmeiners takes aim from 25 yards but sees his strike deflect just wide of target. The ball falls for Scamacca from the resulting corner but he can only slam an improvised attempt against the bar. The hosts keep the attack alive and Lopez is forced to make a fine stop to keep out De Ketelaere’s header.
30’ – GOAL! – Atalanta 1-0 Marseille: (Lookman – Atalanta lead 2-1 on aggregate). The deadlock is broken as Lookman twists and turns on his way to cutting in from the left and firing a deflected 20-yard shot into the far corner.
50’ – MARSEILLE CHANCE! Jonathan Clauss flips a ball over the top for liman Ndiaye to chase in the inside right channel. Musso comes way off his line to leave the lob very much on, but Ndiaye’s effort drops wide of the post.
52’ – GOAL! – Atalanta 2-0 Marseille: (Ruggeri – Atalanta lead 3-1 on aggregate). Matteo Ruggeri plays a one-two surging in from the left and thunders a brilliant strike into the top corner.
90+4’ – GOAL! – Atalanta 3-0 Marseille: (Toure – Atalanta lead 4-1 on aggregate). El Bilal Touré wraps up the win with a powerhouse run from the left and a cool side-foot finish into the far corner.
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