Veteran striker German Denis took the message Atalanta fans sent their team to heart.
Denis scored a sensational, bicycle-kick goal Sunday in Atalanta’s 2-1 win over Sassuolo on Sunday in Serie A (Italy’s first division). Denis’ stunning strike helped his team earn a much-needed win and satisfy the wishes of their fans, who only wanted Atalanta to give them something of which they can be proud.
The game was goal-less in the 42nd minute when winger Luca Cigarini back-heeled the ball into Sassuolo’s penalty area. Maximiliano Moralez headed Cigarini’s delivery into the goal-mouth where Denis had stationed himself. Denis did the rest, powering the ball into the goal with perfect bicycle kick.
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The goal was Denis’ fifth in 30 games this season, but the Argentinian striker’s work wasn’t done. Sassuolo tied the game in the 59th minute. Denis restored Atalanta’s lead for good from the penalty spot four minutes later.
The win moved Atalanta seven points clear of the relegation zone with eight games remaining in the season. It also was Atalanta’s first home win since Feb. 1, ending a four-game winless streak at the Atleti Azzurri d’Italia stadium.
A group of around 1,500 fed-up Atalanta fans interrupted their team’s open practice session for 10 minutes Saturday so they could lecture the players, according to BBC.
“We’re fed up with losing face,” fan Claudio Galimberti reportedly told newspaper Gazzetta dello Sport. “We do not want to see the opposition controlling the game on our field. We have become a home for other teams.”
Denis, also known as “The Tank,” answered their call in unforgettable fashion, scoring a certain “goal of the year” candidate.
Thumbnail photo via Twitter/@theScoreFC
