Éderson marked his return to Atalanta action with a goal in a 3-2 friendly victory over Arezzo on Sunday, just weeks after a proposed €45m transfer to Manchester United collapsed due to a failed medical.
The Brazil international came off the bench to level the scores at 2-2 during the comeback win, striking on the counter-attack after his side had fallen two goals behind inside the opening eight minutes. Alessandro Arena and Illanes had put the Serie C visitors ahead before the break, leaving the Bergamo side facing an unexpected deficit.
Ibrahim Sulemana reduced the deficit following an assist from Nikola Krstovic to spark the revival. Éderson then equalised with his finish before Krstovic completed the turnaround, heading the winner from Daniel Maldini’s corner to seal the pre-season success.
United deal collapses
The goal marks a positive step for Éderson following a turbulent summer window. Manchester United had appeared set to secure the 25-year-old’s signature in a deal worth €45m, only to pull out after intensive medical examinations raised concerns. Atalanta subsequently insisted that the midfielder had suffered no long-term knee damage and moved swiftly to secure his future, tying him to a new five-year contract.
Lazio hit six in friendly rout
Elsewhere in pre-season action, Lazio secured a dominant 6-0 victory against local side Flaminia Civita Castellana. Maurizio Sarri’s side saw goals from Matteo Cancellieri, Fisayo Dele-Bashiru, Ricardo Bordon, Petar Ratkov, Nicolò Rovella and Mattia Zaccagni as they warmed up for the forthcoming campaign in comprehensive fashion.
Éderson’s strike suggests he has put the transfer disappointment behind him as Atalanta continue their preparations. The Bergamo club will hope the midfielder can carry this form into competitive fixtures after committing to him for the long term despite the recent medical scrutiny from Old Trafford officials.