Atalanta had a great week, capped off by a win over Cagliari thanks to two goals from Gianluca Scamacca. Gianluca Gaetano scored for Cagliari to tie the game briefly.

Coming off a Champions League win against Chelsea, Atalanta needed a Serie A victory, having only one in their last 10 tries. Cagliari was missing key players due to injuries, just like Atalanta.

Early on, Charles De Ketelaere set up Ademola Lookman, whose shot was saved. De Ketelaere then shot the rebound, but it hit the side of the net.

Soon after, Lookman got to the left side and passed the ball back to Davide Zappacosta. Zappacosta's shot was going off course, but Scamacca redirected it into the goal with a clever back-heel.

Lorenzo Bernasconi stopped Marco Palestra from getting a clear shot on goal. Then, Lookman's shot was blocked for a corner.

Scamacca shot straight at the Cagliari keeper, Elia Caprile, after a nice pass from De Ketelaere. Caprile then made a super one-handed save on a close-range shot from Lookman. De Ketelaere's follow-up shot was deflected onto the roof of the net.

Right before halftime, Cagliari almost tied the game, but Gennaro Borrelli's header went just wide.

Berat Djimsiti hurt his thigh and had to be taken out of the game. Atalanta started to look tired after playing in Europe during the week.

Cagliari took advantage and tied the game with fantastic team play. Folorunsho passed to Gianluca Gaetano, who passed it back to Sebastiano Esposito quickly, and then he scored with a shot past the goalkeeper.

Scamacca put Atalanta back in front when he scored on the loose ball after his volley attempt didn't work out.

Nicola Zalewski forced Caprile to make two tough saves.

Zito Luvumbo scored for Cagliari late in the game, but the goal didn't count because Folorunsho was offside.

According to Calcio Mercato, Andrea Pinamonti is drawing a lot of interest in the transfer market. The Sassuolo striker is hitting his stride as his skills, experience, and timing all come together. At 26, he's a proven forward, scoring consistently in a league where good number nines are hard to find.

Pinamonti's current season proves that. His goals and solid play are helping newly promoted Sassuolo have a great first half, improving their chances of staying up. Calcio Mercato notes, Another season, another confirmation.” Pinamonti, along with Domenico Berardi and Armand Laurienté, is part of a well-balanced and strong attack, but it might not last much longer.

Prime Years and More Responsibility

Born in 1999, Pinamonti is said to be entering the prime of his career, a period of full maturity. ” His personal growth appears to be aligning with his career, leading to more responsibility and better performance. Despite a minor injury, he’s already scored four goals in 14 Serie A games, which is impressive given the league's tactical challenges.

Sassuolo doesn't have to sell him since his contract runs until 2027. Coach Fabio Grosso trusts Pinamonti as the main attacker, and he’s delivered. He understands space, timing, and what it takes to succeed in Italian soccer—skills that are valuable beyond Serie A.

Transfer Market Pressure

Not surprisingly, his form has gotten attention. Calcio Mercato reports that “the Italian is hotly contested in the transfer market and could change teams as early as January: Lazio and AC Milan are after him in Serie A, and West Ham in the Premier League.” Any deal would likely start with a loan, followed by an option or obligation to buy, showing both his growing value and the cautious approach.

Pinamonti’s value has increased since his successful loan at Genoa, where the option to buy was set at €15 million. Now, with more goals under his belt, there are more teams interested. West Ham stands out, especially since they need more firepower during a tough season.

West Ham and Italian Ties

Calcio Mercato paints a grim picture of West Ham, calling it “a very difficult season and a historic moment.” Since Potter was replaced by Espirito Santo, there have been some improvements, but goals are still hard to come by. With Fullkrug likely leaving, they need a dependable striker.

Pinamonti could be a good fit. The report says, “In London, they’re reportedly looking at Pinamonti, reviving a tradition of Italian strikers in claret and blue that stretches from Di Canio to Scamacca.” That history is important at West Ham, where fans like forwards who have grit, smarts, and personality.

The competition is tough. Lazio and AC Milan also see Pinamonti as a solution to their own attacking problems. Milan, in particular, wants a reliable number nine who knows the league well. Whether Pinamonti moves in January or June, his next step feels important.