Fiorentina and Atalanta produced an engaging 2-2 stalemate in Serie A, yet neither club managed to alter their poor recent trajectory. Both sides created chances to secure the full three points in an end-to-end match, with the away team twice going ahead before Fiorentina momentarily led.

The outcome prolonged a tough period for two teams that have experienced far better results in recent campaigns. Atalanta were especially hampered by injuries, whereas Fiorentina were aiming to halt a streak of three straight losses.

Injury woes deepen for Fiorentina and Atalanta

Fiorentina had shown brief signs of recovery after Paolo Vanoli’s return, but three defeats in a row swiftly returned their issues to the forefront. Their injury concerns also intensified as Marin Pongracic joined Luca Ranieri, Arthur Atta, and Fabiano Parisi on the unavailable list.

Atalanta arrived in an even more depleted state, with Gianluca Scamacca, Raoul Bellanova, Giacomo Raspadori, Franck Kessie, Sead Kolasinac, Isak Hien, and Odilon Kossounou all out. Giorgio Scalvini’s comeback to the bench was a uncommon bright spot for the visitors, who had secured only one win in their last six Serie A fixtures following a 4-4 draw with Frosinone.

Their predicament worsened nearly instantly when Thomas Kristensen suffered a thigh injury after just two minutes. The defender had to be substituted, forcing Scalvini into action far sooner than expected.

Atalanta go in front via De Ketelaere

Fiorentina began with intensity, as Mateo Pellegrino and Alex Jimenez both failed to hit the target before Franco Mastantuono forced Marco Carnesecchi into a save at the near post. Atalanta slowly built momentum, with Eljif Elmas having an effort blocked after Charles De Ketelaere set up the chance from the left flank.

Carnesecchi then reacted sharply to deny Cher Ndour’s double-deflected strike, while Gianluca Gaetano shot over after receiving a pass from Elmas. Mastantuono also went close with a curling attempt that narrowly missed the target.

The deadlock was finally broken through a rapid Atalanta counter. Gaetano dispossessed Niccolò Fagioli in midfield, enabling Nicola Zalewski to surge forward and send a low cross from the left. De Ketelaere was ideally placed to convert from 12 yards and give La Dea the lead.

Atalanta nearly doubled their lead shortly after, but David De Gea made a spectacular save to scoop Nikola Krstovic’s header off the goal line.

Fiorentina complete comeback after half-time

The second half saw an unforeseen change in the officiating crew, as referee Federico La Penna could not continue. Fourth official Livio Marinelli assumed his responsibilities when play restarted.

Fiorentina came close to levelling when Mastantuono curled a free kick over the defensive wall, only for the ball to brush the post. Their sustained pressure finally told as Jimenez whipped in an excellent cross towards the far post, where Alieu Njie arrived to head in with a diving finish.

The match grew more stretched, and Fiorentina escaped danger when a De Ketelaere pass across the box was intercepted before Krstovic could convert. The home side then finished their comeback through Joao Mario, whose strike from outside the area took a hefty deflection off Relja Obric and left Carnesecchi stranded.

Atalanta hit back through Krstovic, who curled an attempt wide after De Ketelaere cleverly let the ball run across him. The Belgian also went down under challenge from Cher Ndour, but the referee deemed no penalty warranted.

De Ketelaere assists Atalanta’s equaliser

Atalanta ultimately levelled with De Ketelaere involved once more. The Belgian supplied the assist as Zalewski fired a powerful shot through a congested penalty area, beating De Gea at his near post to restore parity at 2-2.

Both teams kept pushing for a winner in the final phases. Carnesecchi used his legs to block Brescianini at the near post, while De Ketelaere forced De Gea into another fine save with a fierce effort.

Atalanta brought on Beto late in the game, and the substitute had a chance to claim victory in stoppage time. However, his header drifted wide, leaving the sides to accept a point each after an absorbing contest.