Atalanta took a significant step toward the UEFA Super Cup, finishing a thrilling friendly match with a 2-2 draw against AZ Alkmaar in the Netherlands. Just 18 days ahead of their big clash against Real Madrid in Warsaw, the Bergamaschi showcased their skills in front of dozens of traveling fans at the AFAS Stadion.
The spotlight shone on Teun Koopmeiners, who was celebrated not only for his on-field abilities but also for his connection to AZ, the club where he had spent 12 years of his career, including four as a professional. Koopmeiners, who is a transfer target for Juventus, received a special commemorative shirt before the match and shared a moment with his brother Peer, who recently extended his contract with AZ until 2028.
In the first half, Atalanta’s number 7 came close to scoring on two occasions before being substituted in the 79th minute to a warm round of applause from the crowd. The goals were scored by the forwards, beginning with a header from Irishman Troy Parrott, a former Tottenham player, who put AZ in front. However, Atalanta quickly turned the tide in the second half. A well-crafted play initiated by Ademola Lookman, receiving support from a lively Noah Bakker, led to an own goal by Møller Wolfe, leveling the score. Møller Wolfe had provided the initial cross for AZ’s opener.
The comeback was completed by Charles De Ketelaere, who made a crucial impact as a substitute, easily nodding in a corner delivered by Lookman and headed on by Sead Kolasinac. Just three minutes before the end of the match, the game ended level when AZ’s Zakaria Zeefuik scored with a clever rabona finish after miscommunication between Atalanta’s goalkeeper Juan Musso and defender Rafael Toloi.
Gianluca Scamacca also made an appearance, having only trained for a week since joining the club. Among the new signings, only Ben Godfrey started, having recovered quickly from a thigh injury sustained the previous week. Ederson and young talent Scalvini missed the match, with Ederson set to return on the 29th. Nicolò Zaniolo remained in Zingonia to continue his recovery from foot surgery, while Berat Djimsiti did not feature in the game amid strong interest in him from Qatari club Al-Rayyan.
