Ghanaian midfielder Ibrahim Sulemana continued his late-season resurgence by scoring his second Serie A goal for Atalanta in a thrilling 3-2 comeback victory over Genoa on Saturday, sealing a spot in next season’s UEFA Champions League for the Bergamo-based side.

The 21-year-old, who has struggled with injuries and limited minutes throughout the season, was handed just his second start for Atalanta and made the most of the opportunity with a superb equalizer early in the second half as he ended the game with the man of the match award.

Genoa initially took the lead through Andrea Pinamonti in the 37th minute, heading home Aaron Martin’s cross.

The hosts thought they had doubled their advantage before the break, but Mattia Bani’s goal was disallowed for handball following a VAR review.

Sulemana brought Atalanta back into the contest two minutes after the restart, brilliantly chesting down a loose ball and firing a stunning half-volley into the bottom-left corner.

Pinamonti restored Genoa’s lead in the 58th minute after capitalizing on a defensive mix-up. But Atalanta quickly responded as Daniel Maldini finished off a fluid team move to make it 2-2.

The drama peaked in the 89th minute when Mateo Retegui, facing his former club, latched onto Charles De Ketelaere’s cross to score the winning goal.

It was Retegui’s 25th Serie A strike of the season, putting him in pole position for the Golden Boot.

Sulemana's goal adds to his recent form—he scored the winner against AS Roma last weekend after coming off the bench, marking his first goal of the campaign.

His timely contributions have been vital in Atalanta’s push for European qualification, and he is now making a strong case for a more prominent role in Gian Piero Gasperini’s plans going forward.

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">https://twitter.com/SerieA_EN/status/1924012081004806225?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 18, 2025
 

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