Milan, January 25 (LaPresse) – The resurgence of La Dea. Thanks to a brace from Mateo Retegui, Atalanta secured a 2-1 comeback victory away at Como in the Lombardy derby, an advance match of Serie A’s 22nd round. Nico Paz's goal wasn’t enough to prevent a defeat that risks pushing Como back into the relegation zone. Atalanta, on the other hand, finds victory again after three draws and a loss to Napoli. The Nerazzurri climb to 46 points, consolidating third place in the standings, just four points off the top. Atalanta initially seemed affected by the physical and psychological toll of their Champions League commitment. Como capitalized, scoring in the 30th minute with a precise left-footed strike from Nico Paz that hit the underside of the crossbar, crowning an excellent performance by Fabregas’s team. Atalanta tried to respond but failed to get past an alert Butez. In the second half, Gasperini introduced fresh players, with De Ketelaere replacing De Roon (who suffered a mild concussion in a collision with Perrone), Bellanova for Zappacosta, Ruggeri for Cuadrado, and Brescianini for Scalvini. It was Brescianini, the former Frosinone midfielder, who starred in the 55th minute with an assist for Retegui’s equalizer. The relentless striker smashed a left-footed volley into the net from the center of the box, beating Butez. The Italo-Argentine striker has scored in every match since returning from injury. The goal sparked Atalanta, who had a Lookman goal disallowed for offside in the 69th minute. Retegui then completed the comeback with another deadly finish from the center of the box, again assisted by the outstanding Brescianini. Retegui now has 16 goals in the league this season. Como struggled to respond and nearly collapsed when De Ketelaere's goal in the 80th minute was disallowed due to a handball. Earlier, Como had a Cutrone goal disallowed for offside. In the final minutes, Fabregas’s team mounted an assault on Carnesecchi’s goal, but Atalanta defended effectively and secured the three points.

© Copyright LaPresse