Benevento 1-4 Atalanta: Ilicic masterclass helps Atalanta decimate Benevento

Josip Ilicic-Atalanta

Atalanta have continued their winning run in Serie A with an emphatic win over Benevento

Josip Ilicic produced his best performance of this season yet to help Atalanta thrash Benevento 4 – 1.

The Slovenian put the visitors ahead with a stunning goal in the first half and also had his shot hit the post later.

Benevento pulled one back in the 50th minute but the equaliser didn’t last long as Gasperini’s would add three more goals in the final twenty minutes, with Rafael Toloi, Duvan Zapata and Luis Muriel finding the score sheet.

Ilicic proved a menace to the hosts as he produced an impressive display, setting up Toloi’s goal despite scoring the first one.

The 31-year-old hasn’t been at his best this season however his importance has grown over the past few games. Now, he has 2 goals and 5 assists in Serie A this season.

Atalanta has cruised to fourth place in the table after not suffering a defeat in their last seven games.

Furthermore, their victories in the past few weeks including the 5-1 thrashing of dark horses Sassuolo have been nothing but emphatic.

Benevento failed to build on their win against Cagliari midweek and now they are tenth in the table.

Atalanta manager Gian Piero Gasperini offered his thoughts on the win.

“We played a very good first half and then conceded a goal against the run of play, which can completely transform a game.

“However, my players kept their heads, didn’t change their attitude at all, and continued to push forward in winning the match. That is a great strength, maintaining that mentality.

“Of course, the quality of the players raises the chances of winning, so Ilicic was extraordinary today, but we’ve had goals and assists from everyone over the last few weeks. When we attack, we know that we’re likely to score and have many options we can score with.”