Atalanta Thrash Verona 6-1 in Serie A Rout

Zapata Stars as Atalanta Cruise to Victory

Bergamaschi Move into Fifth Place

Atalanta continued their impressive start to the Serie A season with a dominant 6-1 victory over Hellas Verona at the Gewiss Stadium on Monday.

Duvan Zapata was the star of the show for the hosts, scoring a hat-trick within the first 20 minutes. The Colombian striker opened the scoring in the third minute, before doubling Atalanta's lead in the 13th minute with a powerful header.

Zapata completed his hat-trick in the 20th minute, taking advantage of a defensive error to slot home from close range. The goal was the Colombian's ninth in Serie A this season, moving him into contention for the Capocannoniere award.

Verona Rally Proves Short-lived

Verona briefly threatened a comeback when Antonin Barak pulled a goal back for the visitors in the 25th minute. However, Atalanta extinguished any hopes of a Verona resurgence with two goals in quick succession.

Joakim Maehle restored Atalanta's three-goal advantage in the 36th minute, while Rasmus Hojlund added a fifth in the 41st minute. Ademola Lookman put the icing on the cake for the hosts with a sixth goal in the 62nd minute.

Atalanta Cement Top-Five Status

The victory moves Atalanta into fifth place in the Serie A standings, just three points behind third-placed Lazio. Verona, meanwhile, remain in 18th place, just one point above the relegation zone.

Atalanta will be looking to continue their good form when they travel to face Roma on Sunday, while Verona will host Bologna in a crucial relegation battle.