The headline of the night belonged to Nikola Krstovic, who proved he is the ultimate "brace specialist." In a game where Atalanta was missing several key stars, Krstovic stepped up to single-handedly secure three vital points.
The Krstovic Masterclass: A Tale of Two Halves
With Gianluca Scamacca sidelined and Ademola Lookman away on AFCON duty, the pressure was on Krstovic to deliver. He did not disappoint:
• The Opener (37'): After a period of Bologna pressure, Atalanta struck on the break. Charles De Ketelaere danced past his marker on the right and whipped in a low cross. Krstovic didn't catch it cleanly, but his strike was enough to beat Ravaglia and silence the home crowd.
• The Smasher (60'): The second goal was all about anticipation. Captain Marten de Roon intercepted a lazy pass and lofted a ball over the top. Krstovic outmuscled Martin Vitik, sprinted into the box, and drilled a low left-footed shot into the bottom corner.
The Bitter Aftermath: MVP Collapses
The victory was slightly soured in the 77th minute when Krstovic suddenly collapsed on the pitch. The striker, who was undoubtedly the Man of the Match, had to be substituted immediately. Early reports suggest a muscle injury, leaving Palladino with a serious selection headache for the upcoming clash against Torino.
Match Report Card
| Category | Bologna | Atalanta |
| Goals | 0 | 2 (Krstovic 37', 60') |
| Shots on Target | 3 | 5 |
| Possession | 52% | 48% |
| Key Performer | Riccardo Orsolini | Nikola Krstovic |
What This Means for Serie A
This result is a massive "leapfrog" in the standings. Atalanta moves up to 7th place (24 points), overtaking Bologna and breathing down the necks of the top four. For Vincenzo Italiano’s Bologna, the slump continues—they haven't tasted victory in Serie A since late November.
Stat of the Match: Nikola Krstovic has now scored more braces (4) than any other player in Serie A since the start of 2025.