Fiorentina squeezed past a plucky Atalanta side 1-0 at the Stadio Atelti Azzurri d’Italia thanks to a goal from substitute Jasmin Kurtic.
Kurtic scored two minutes after coming on the hour mark to set up a first victory of the season for La Viola in what was a largely unenterprising affair.
Estigarribia and Marco D’Alessandro provided decent outlets for the home side but were unable to create many openings on a frustrating evening for Stefan Colantuono’s men.
The win is vital for Vincenzo Montella’s men, however, as they retain hopes of a European spot despite a slow start to their campaign.
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Atalanta
Sportiello – 6.5 – Decent
Overall a good day’s work for him despite conceding in the second half, through no fault of his own.
Zappacosta – 6 – Industrious
Made a lot of runs up the right-hand flank but failed to deliver the killer ball at any point. Got caught with runs in behind once or twice so clearly has a lot to learn.
Benalouane – 6 – Deflated
Was doing a good job in the middle with Biava until Kurtic popped up with the winner. Shaky in possession at times but closed Cuadrado and Gomez down well to eliminate their threat.
Biava -6 – Frustrating
Room for improvement. Was hassled by the physicality of Gomez at times and needs to show more leadership from the back. Made a few strong tackles and interceptions though so it was a decent performance.
Drame -6 – Eager
Like the opposite side, Drame pushed well up the left-side but meant that Atalanta were exposed at times when they lost possession high up the pitch.
Estigarribia – 7.5 – Dangerous
Easily Atalanta’s most threatening player, providing pace and penetration from the right side. Almost scored a wonderful goal in the second half which would have capped up an impressive display.
Carmona -6 – Combative
Not a bad display from the midfielder as he got stuck in and broke up the play reasonably well. Committed a lot of fouls though and looked tired towards the end.
Cigarini – 5.5 – Tired
Looked off the pace for most of the match as he struggled to keep up with the higher tempo of Fiorentina. Tactically astute and read the game well but did not have his best game.
D’Alessandro – 6.5 – Promising
Like Estigarribia, he caused a few problems when he was in possession and looked quite dangerous but neglects defensive duties at times. Give a lot of running and was substituted towards the end.
Boakye – 6 – Wasteful
Missed a great chance in the first half that would have put his side into the lead. Looked active and made runs but was ultimately ineffective. Also hit the post when he could have done better.
Denis – 5 – Unfit
Doesn’t look like nearly back to full fitness yet and struggled as a result. Failed to contribute a whole lot to Atalanta’s front-line.
Substitutes
Gomez -6 -Unimpressive
Came on with half an hour left but was unable to influence the match a great deal as Fiorentina gained control after grabbing the opener.
Bianchi – 5.5 – Forgettable
Similarly was unable to do much for his side from coming on.
Molina -5 -Invisible
Came on for ten minutes and barely touched the ball.
Fiorentina
Neto – 6.5 – Strong
Looked commanding with aerial threats and made some good saves, especially from Boakye. Kept a clean sheet so is a happy man.
Badelj – 7 – Impressive
Looked rock solid all day and helped La Viola to a precious three points with his organisation and discipline from the centre of midfield.
Gonzalo Rodriguez -6.5 – Solid
Similar organisational display. Let Atalanta through once or twice but should be happy overall with his performance. Will need improvement for bigger teams.
Savic – 6 – Quiet
No major mistakes for him, had a decent game.
Alonso – 6.5 – Imaginative
Looked bright and had a few efforts at goal as well. Ultimately played well and helped his side to a clean sheet with a hard-working performance on the left side of a three-man defence.
Aquilani – 7 – Metronomic
Pulled the strings for the majority of the match. Is able to control the tempo of Fiorentina’s passing and looked comfortable for much of the match.
Mati Fernandez – 7 – Battling
Ran relentlessly and tackled well, breaking up some of the play. Formed a good central partnership with Aquilani which eventually broke down Atalanta. Assisted the goal.
Pasqual – 7 – Exemplary
Showed why he is the captain today as he kept his side going and held out for the win. Passionate and determined performance.
Cuadrado – 7.5 – Omnipresent
Always looked a threat on the ball, looking to go past defenders and create opportunities. Only thing that was missing was a goal.
Gomez – 6.5 – Physical
Showed why he is a good front man today, making it hard work for Atalanta’s defenders.
Ilicic – 6 – Average
Didn’t look at his mercurial best, misplacing some passes. Still feeling his way into the season.
Substitutes
Kurtic – 9 -Decisive
Scored almost immediately after coming on to give his side a much needed three points.
Richards – 7 – Bright
Looked lively when he came on and showed his strength on a few occasions.
Vargas – 6 – Tidy
Came on as a late substitute and kept things simple in midfield, helping everywhere and anywhere he was needed.