Chievo 1-0 on Sunday afternoon at the Stadio Atleti Azzurri d’Italia in Serie A, now mathematically sure to avoid relegation.
Marco Borriello opened the scoring after 55 minutes and although Atalanta had both Alejandro Gomez and also coach Edy Reja sent off they managed to hang on for a massive three points.
The first chance of the game came on 11 minutes when Alessandro Diamanti shot with his left foot, only for Albano Bizzarri to block the ball.
Only four minutes later it was Atalanta again who looked like scoring, as Rafael Toloi’s shot was brilliantly saved by Bizzarri.
Just before the break a Lucas Castro header went close to finding the opener for the away side, but the first half ended with a goalless draw.
After just 10 minutes in the second half Borriello delivered a much need goal for Atalanta as he finished well after Diamanti’s effort struck the bar.
Maran put in the evergreen Sergio Pellissier to try and find the equaliser, and the captain was immediately dangerous but was unable to get his shot away.
Chievo then started attacking more convincingly, and on 64 minutes a dangerous Birsa shot was saved well by Marco Sportiello.
The game changed again on 75 minutes when Gomez reacted violently to a Peparim Hetemaj foul and was shown a red card, leaving Edy Reja’s team down to ten men.
Even with coach Reja sent to the stands in the final minutes , the hosts stood firm to repeal Chievo who were encamped in Atalanta’s half.
With these three points La Dea climb to 41 points and secure a place in Serie A for next season while Chievo remain in the top half despite defeat.
