Atalanta U23 edged Pescara 2-1 in Italian Serie C on Saturday 12 September 2026, continuing their promising run with a late winner at home.

Atalanta’s development side showed maturity beyond their years, recovering from a Pescara equaliser to claim all three points. The match was a good advert for Serie C, with both teams committed to attacking football and moments of real quality in the final third.

Match overview

Atalanta U23 took the lead in the 22nd minute when Simone Longo received the ball on the edge of the box, shifted it onto his left foot and curled a shot into the bottom corner. Pescara responded well and had chances of their own before the break, but Atalanta’s goalkeeper made two important saves to preserve the advantage.

Pescara equalised in the 55th minute through Davide Merola, who capitalised on a defensive mix-up and slotted the ball home from close range. The visitors then enjoyed their best spell of the match, pinning Atalanta back. However, Atalanta U23 regrouped and found a winner in the 79th minute. Andrea Rinaldi, who had been lively since coming off the bench, arrived at the back post to convert a low cross and send the home crowd into celebration.

Key moments

• 22’ – Goal, Atalanta U23: Simone Longo curls a fine effort into the bottom corner.
• 41’ – Save: Atalanta’s goalkeeper reacts sharply to deny Pescara an equaliser before half-time.
• 55’ – Goal, Pescara: Davide Merola pounces on a loose ball and finishes calmly.
• 79’ – Goal, Atalanta U23: Andrea Rinaldi scores the winner from close range after a patient build-up.
• 90+2’ – Late block: Atalanta’s defence throws itself in front of a Pescara shot to protect the lead.

Tactical story

Atalanta U23 used a fluid 3-4-2-1 system that allowed their wing-backs to push high and create overloads in wide areas. Pescara, in a 4-3-3, tried to press aggressively but were often drawn out of position, leaving gaps for Atalanta’s runners. The substitutions proved decisive: Rinaldi’s introduction gave Atalanta fresh energy in the final third, while Pescara struggled to maintain their defensive shape as the game wore on.

Standout players

Simone Longo was Atalanta U23’s most dangerous player, and his goal was a moment of individual brilliance. Andrea Rinaldi made an instant impact from the bench, while the goalkeeper’s first-half saves kept the team level. For Pescara, Davide Merola took his goal well and worked hard, but the team lacked the same cutting edge in the closing stages.

What the result means

The win strengthens Atalanta U23’s position in the Serie C standings and highlights the quality coming through the club’s youth pipeline. Pescara leave with nothing despite a solid second-half display, and they will need to turn performances into points quickly if they are to climb the table. Atalanta’s top scorers are beginning to find consistency, and their head-to-head record against Pescara now has a positive entry for this season.