Atalanta win to seal top spot at Christmas

In-form Atalanta scored a late winner to beat Empoli and ensure they will be top of Serie A on Christmas Day.

Mid-table Empoli led when Lorenzo Colombo volleyed in from Scot Liam Henderson's cross.

Charles de Ketelaere levelled with a diving header with Ademola Lookman giving Atalanta the lead in first-half stoppage time.

Empoli equalised though through a Sebastiano Esposito penalty but De Ketelaere struck a late second to win the game for the Bergamo side.

Atalanta, who have won 11 Serie A games in a row, are two points above second-placed Napoli.

They face fourth-placed Lazio on 28 December.

Atalanta have never won the Serie A title. Their only major trophies are the 1963 Coppa Italia and last season's Europa League.

"It's been a wonderful year - we're sorry it's ending. Let's hope that 2025 will be just as good," said boss Gian Piero Gasperini.

"It won't be easy, but beyond the results I'm very happy with the spirit that there is in this team."