Ghanaian attacker Kamaldeen Sulemana made a decisive impact off the bench, providing a late assist as Atalanta earned a 2â2 draw away to Lazio in the first leg of their Coppa Italia semi-final at the Stadio Olimpico.
Introduced in the 76th minute, Sulemana brought fresh energy and direct running down the flank just when Atalanta needed a spark.
Lazio had taken the lead early in the second half through Fisayo Dele-Bashiru, before Mario PaÅ¡aliÄ quickly replied to level the score at 1â1. Boulaye Dia then appeared to have won it for Lazio in the 87th minute, finishing clinically to make it 2â1.
Atalanta refused to fold, and in stoppage time Sulemana drove at the defence and picked out Yunus Musah, who calmly slotted home for 2â2, ensuring the tie remains finely balanced ahead of the return leg in Bergamo.
The draw extends Atalanta’s strong recent form, and they will look to build on this result when they host Udinese in Serie A in their next match on Saturday, March 7.