Atalanta Held to Frustrating 0-0 Draw by Venezia, Miss Chance to Go Joint-Top in Serie A
March 2, 2025 � Bergamo, Italy
Atalanta squandered a golden opportunity to climb level with Serie A�s summit as they were held to a goalless draw by a stubborn Venezia side at the Gewiss Stadium. With title rivals Inter Milan and Napoli set to face off later on Saturday evening, Gian Piero Gasperini�s men knew only a victory would keep the pressure on the leading pack. However, La Dea�s wasteful finishing and some stubborn defending from Venezia ensured the points were shared.
The result extends Atalanta�s worrying winless run at home to five matches across all competitions (D3, L2), leaving them in third place, two points behind Inter Milan, who can widen the gap with a win over Napoli later today.
A Slow Start and Wasted Chances
The match began as a scrappy affair, with neither side able to impose themselves early on. It wasn�t until the 20th minute that Atalanta carved out their first real chance, as Ademola Lookman showcased his quick feet to create space in the box before firing into the side netting. The Nigerian winger emerged as the home side�s brightest spark, delivering a teasing cross shortly after that found Mateo Retegui unmarked. Remarkably, the striker�currently leading the Capocannoniere race as Serie A�s top scorer�headed over from close range.
Retegui�s struggles in front of goal continued as he nodded another effort wide before the half-hour mark, summing up a frustrating afternoon for the usually clinical forward. Venezia, meanwhile, offered little in attack, barely venturing into Atalanta�s half as La Dea dominated possession and territory.
Woodwork Denies Atalanta
Atalanta�s pressure intensified as the first half wore on, but the breakthrough remained elusive. Davide Zappacosta came agonizingly close with a curling strike that clipped the far post, and just before the interval, Juan Cuadrado rattled the woodwork with a fierce shot. The frame of the goal was proving to be Venezia�s best defender, leaving Gasperini�s side visibly frustrated as they headed into the break.
The second half followed a similar script. Atalanta picked up where they left off, with Cuadrado racing down the right and picking out Retegui once more. Yet again, the striker fluffed his lines, blazing over from a golden position. Charles De Ketelaere was the next to try his luck, latching onto a Lookman cutback, but his effort was straight at Venezia goalkeeper Ionu? Radu, formerly of Inter Milan.
Venezia�s Rare Threat
Venezia, who spent most of the match on the back foot, nearly stole an unlikely lead when Mirko Maric�s speculative shot from the edge of the box whistled inches wide. It was a rare moment of danger from the visitors, who otherwise focused on soaking up Atalanta�s relentless pressure.
A Point Gained for Venezia, Two Dropped for Atalanta
Despite their dominance and a flurry of chances, Atalanta couldn�t find the decisive touch. The final whistle confirmed a 0-0 stalemate, met with groans from the home faithful. The draw keeps Atalanta in third, still in the title conversation but ruing their inability to convert dominance into goals.
For Venezia, this hard-fought point could prove vital in their fight against relegation. Though they remain winless in 10 matches (D5, L5), their resilience in Bergamo offers a glimmer of hope as they battle to climb out of the drop zone.
What�s Next?
Atalanta will look to regroup quickly ahead of their next fixture, knowing they can ill afford more slip-ups with Inter and Napoli waiting to capitalize. Venezia, meanwhile, will take heart from their defensive solidity as they prepare for another tough test in their survival bid.
As Serie A�s thrilling title race continues to unfold, this result might just prove to be a pivotal moment�for better or worse�for both sides.
