Scamacca and De Ketelaere finding Atalanta form with ‘real centre-forward’ | OneFootball

Gianluca Scamacca is rediscovering his form with Atalanta just in time to play for Italy in the World Cup play-offs, while Charles De Ketelaere calls him ‘a real centre-forward.’

The centre-forward has not been the same since the serious knee ligament injury he sustained in pre-season 2024, but after setbacks in the recovery process, he seems to finally be back to his best.

He bagged both in Atalanta’s 2-1 victory over Cagliari at the New Balance Arena in Bergamo this evening, around a temporary Gianluca Gaetano equaliser.

The first was an improvisation, redirecting Davide Zappacosta’s wayward effort with a back-heel flick, while with the second he reacted quickly to a volley gone wrong.

Scamacca and De Ketelaere respected Cagliari

BERGAMO, ITALY – DECEMBER 13: Gianluca Scamacca of Atalanta is challenged by Michel Ndary Adopo of Cagliari during the Serie A match between Atalanta BC and Cagliari Calcio at Gewiss Stadium on December 13, 2025 in Bergamo, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)

“We expected it to be difficult, we should’ve scored more goals in the first half, Cagliari are tough and equalised, but we managed to bring it home,” Scamacca told Sky Sport Italia.

“We always try to give our all, but when there are so many games close together, we can lack sharpness sometimes. We’re on the right track, though.”

Rediscovering his form could also be boon to the Italy squad going into the crucial 2026 World Cup play-offs in March.

“Absolutely, but I am totally concentrated on Atalanta, because we have many objectives.”

BERGAMO, ITALY – DECEMBER 13: Gianluca Scamacca of Atalanta (R) celebrates scoring his team’s second goal with teammate Ademola Lookman (L) during the Serie A match between Atalanta BC and Cagliari Calcio at Gewiss Stadium on December 13, 2025 in Bergamo, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)

Scamacca now has five Serie A goals and one in the Champions League this season, netting four goals in his last three competitive appearances.

However, Atalanta will now be without both Ademola Lookman and Odilon Kossounou, who are heading off to participate in the Africa Cup of Nations.

“Those who play will be ready and give their best,” assured Scamacca.

BERGAMO, ITALY – DECEMBER 13: Charles De Ketelaere of Atalanta and Alessandro Deiola of Cagliari battle for possession during the Serie A match between Atalanta BC and Cagliari Calcio at Gewiss Stadium on December 13, 2025 in Bergamo, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)

While Atalanta are flying high in the Champions League, this was only their fourth Serie A win in 15 rounds, along with seven draws and four defeats.

“We needed points to climb the table, and fortunately we got the result. It is better to play badly and get three points than the other way around,” noted De Ketelaere on Sky Sport Italia.

“We must be humble, take it one game at a time and keep going. You can see Scamacca is a real centre-forward, as the first goal he was in the right place, on the second he reacted well.”