Atalanta Vs Napoli — atalanta vs napoli: Pašalić and Samardžić seal 2-1 comeback in Bergamo
Atalanta roared back to beat Napoli 2-1 at the New Balance Arena in Bergamo in a match that left an injured Scott McTominay sidelined and Billy Gilmour available on the bench. The result matters for the title race and for the Scotland internationals closely followed in the run-up to this summer's World Cup finals.
Atalanta’s second-half fightback overturns early deficit
Napoli took the lead on 18 minutes when Beukema nodded in from a free-kick delivery, but Atalanta hit back in the second half. Pašalić levelled on 61 minutes by converting a corner from Zalewski and Samardžić completed the turnaround in the 82nd minute with a header from Bernasconi’s cross. The 2-1 victory on 2025/26 Serie A Enilive MD26 sent Atalanta to 45 points and saw the Nerazzurri topple the reigning Italian champions at the New Balance Arena in Bergamo.
Key moments: Beukema opener, Carnesecchi and Milinkovic-Savic saves
After Napoli’s early goal, Atalanta produced several chances before half-time. Kamaldeen had an effort tipped behind and was denied again on 40 minutes when Milinkovic-Savic gathered his follow-up. Right before the break, keeper Carnesecchi first denied Allison from point-blank range and then blocked Vergara’s follow-up tap-in. In the second half, Scamacca’s 68th-minute strike was kept out by Milinkovic-Savic, but Atalanta’s 61st-minute equaliser and Samardžić’s 82nd-minute header turned the game.
Full scorers and match chronology
Scorers: Beukema 18 (N), Pašalić 61 (A), Samardžić 82 (A). Napoli opened the scoring on 18 minutes; Atalanta drew level in the 61st minute and completed the turnaround in the 82nd minute. Before and after the interval, notable attempts included Vergara dragging a shot wide after the restart and Bellanova seeing his 56th-minute header blocked.
Lineups, substitutions and coaching decisions
Atalanta named: Carnesecchi, Scalvini (Djimsiti 68), Hien, Kolašinac (Ahanor 83), Bellanova (Bernasconi 57), De Roon, Pašalić, Zappacosta, Kamaldeen (Samardžić 46), Zalewski, Krstović (Scamacca 57). Unused Bench: Rossi, Sportiello, Kossounou, Bakker, Musah, Éderson, Vavassori. Coach: Raffaele Palladino.
Napoli named: Milinkovic-Savic, Beukema, Juan Jesus (Oliveira 70), Buongiorno, Mazzocchi (Spinazzola 63), Lobotka, Elmas, Gutierrez (Politano 62), Vergara (Giovane 70), Alisson Santos (Lukaku 85), Hojlund. Unused Bench: Meret, Contini, Gilmour, Prisco, De Chiara. Coach: Antonio Conte.
Officiating, bookings and match administration
The referee was Daniele Chiffi from Padova. Assistant referees were Dario Cecconi from Empoli and Davide Moro from Schio; the fourth official was Luca Zufferli from Udine. V. A. R. was Gianluca Aureliano from Bologna and A. V. A. R. was Aleandro Di Paolo from Avezzano. Bookings in the match: Juan Jesus (Napoli) and Zalewski (Atalanta) were shown yellow cards.
Scottish internationals and season context ahead of the match
This fixture was presented as the second in a series of live Serie A matches following the progress of Italy-based Scotland internationals in the build-up to this summer's World Cup finals. Scott McTominay missed out through a thigh injury and sat out a third game in a row; Billy Gilmour had returned last weekend from a long-term injury and was on the bench for the match. The pair had helped Napoli win the league title last season, but an injury-hit Napoli had been 14 points adrift of leaders Internazionale and were described as third-top heading into this clash. Atalanta had been seventh-placed and unbeaten in eight outings in Serie A before the match.
Please note: All times UK. Tables are subject to change. Last Updated 22nd February 2026 at 20: 35.
