Kossounou and Lookman Fire Atalanta Past Struggling Fiorentina

The Gewiss Stadium buzzed with anticipation as two teams desperate for points prepared to battle under the Bergamo lights. Thirteenth-placed Atalanta, seeking to climb away from mid-table mediocrity, welcomed rock-bottom Fiorentina in what promised to be a crucial encounter for both sides' season trajectories. La Dea secured a vital 2-0 victory that lifted spirits in the stands while deepening the Viola's relegation fears.

The breakthrough arrived in spectacular fashion when Odilon Kossounou unleashed a thunderous right-footed strike from outside the box in the 41st minute. Charles De Ketelaere's clever assist set up the Ivorian defender, who rifled his effort into the top left corner with precision that left the Fiorentina goalkeeper helpless. The Gewiss Stadium erupted as Kossounou wheeled away in celebration, his long-range rocket providing the perfect catalyst for Atalanta's dominance. Ten minutes into the second half, Ademola Lookman doubled the advantage with a predatory finish from close range. The Nigerian forward pounced on a corner kick delivery, slotting home a right-footed effort from the right side of the six-yard box to effectively seal the victory.

Atalanta controlled the tactical battle through midfield orchestrator Éderson and the tireless Marten de Roon, who dictated tempo and disrupted Fiorentina's rhythm throughout. Gianluca Scamacca led the line with purpose, holding up play and bringing teammates into dangerous positions, while the defensive trio of Berat Djimsiti, Isak Hien, and the goalscoring Kossounou stood firm against Fiorentina's sporadic attacks. Moise Kean battled valiantly for the visitors but found little support from midfield.

Despite Fiorentina edging possession at 51.8%, they managed just three shots on target compared to Atalanta's nine efforts. The visitors' five corners and seven fouls reflected their struggle to create meaningful chances, while Atalanta's clinical finishing from 21 total shots demonstrated their superior cutting edge. Rolando Mandragora came closest for Fiorentina with an 84th-minute free kick that whistled just wide, while Kean struck the post with a header in the 76th minute.

The turning point arrived with Kossounou's spectacular opener, which visibly deflated Fiorentina's confidence and allowed Atalanta to play with freedom. Gian Piero Gasperini's tactical adjustments, including the introduction of Mario Pasalic and Nicola Zalewski in the 67th minute, helped maintain control during a nervy final 20 minutes when the visitors pressed for a lifeline.

Atalanta will look to build momentum when they face their next Serie A challenge, while Fiorentina must regroup quickly to address their alarming position at the foot of the table. The Viola's winless streak continues to mount pressure on their survival hopes as the season progresses.