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Atalanta take 47 shots against Empoli but fail to score

Bartlomiej Dragoski of Empoli FC in action during the Serie A match between Atalanta and Empoli. (Credit: Getty Images)
Bartlomiej Dragoski was busy during the match between Atalanta BC and Empoli.

If at first you don’t succeed, then try and try again.

That was Italian side Atalnta’s mentality during their Serie A match against relegation-threatened Empoli on Monday.

Knowing victory would push them above Italian giants AC Milan and into the Champions League places, Atalanta threw everything at their opponents. But to no avail.

Atalanta recorded an incredible 47 shots against a side that had conceded 59 goals in 32 games coming into this one, but somehow failed to score. The match finished 0-0.

An image showing Atalanta's 47 shots against Emploi. With 18 of them on target.
An image showing Atalanta's 47 shots against Emploi. With 18 of them on target.

Eighteen of the 47 shots were on target, with Empoli goalkeeper Bartlomiej Dragowski putting in a stunning performance to make 17 saves.

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No side in Europe’s top leagues has ever had so many attempts on goal, or on target, since records began.

Atalanta's 47 shots against Empoli.
Atalanta's 47 shots against Empoli.

Of Atalanta’s efforts, 33 came from inside the penalty area. But no matter how hard they tried, they were unable to break the deadlock. Empoli had three shots themselves with only one on target.

To make things worse, Empoli are yet to win an away game this season, and have conceded 34 goals in their 16 games on the road - the worst record in the division.

Atalanta remain 6th in the division, two points behind Milan but still have to play Napoli, Juventus and Lazio.

It could be an important point for Empoli in their fight against the drop. They now sit two points from safety with six games left to play.

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