Charles De Ketelaere scored late and Atalanta returned to the top of Serie A with a 3-2 win over Empoli in the club’s record-extending 11th consecutive league victory.

Atalanta's Charles De Ketelaere was his team's hero on Sunday, scoring a late second goal to secure a 3-2 victory over Empoli at home and send his side back to the top of Serie A.

La Dea were on a club record run and needed all three points to keep top spot after Napoli’s victory on Saturday, but Marten de Roon was suspended with Giorgio Scalvini and Gianluca Scamacca injured.

Atalanta needed a late winner from Charles De Ketelaere to edge Empoli on Sunday, earning them a 13th win of the season.

Atalanta BC set a new club record of 11 consecutive Serie A wins as Charles De Ketelaere’s sublime solo effort secured a thrilling 3-2 win over Empoli to leapfrog SSC Napoli and top the table at Christmas.

Atalanta's two-goal Charles De Ketelaere was the hero after scoring a late winner to secure a 3-2 victory over mid-table Empoli and send his side back to the top of Serie A on Sunday. The Belgian weaved his way to the edge of the box four minutes from time,