Atalanta moved level with Roma and Sassuolo for sixth place, as Duvan Zapata’s goal after just 58 seconds was enough to secure a 1-0 victory over Lazio on Monday.
It was a deserved result for the home side, as they took advantage of a slow start by the Biancocelesti to score early and then control the contest.
Simone Inzaghi’s men never looked as though they would get back in the contest, though they did see a late injury time equalizer from Francesco Acerbi rightly called back by VAR.
As mentioned, it took Atalanta just 58 seconds to take the lead, thanks in large part to some poor defending by Stefan Radu. Robin Gosens fired in a cross from the left, and the Romanian’s clearance fell straight to Zapata, who fired into the bottom corner.
Atalanta nearly doubled their lead on six minutes. Zapata fired a dangerous cross into the area, and Radu poked the ball just past his own post.
Etrit Berisha stopped Ciro Immobile’s effort soon after as Lazio slowly settled into the match with each passing minute.
Despite that, the Biancocelesti failed to create any real threats on goal. Immobile headed Marco Parolo’s cross over the bar as the half came to a halt with the Orobici still in front.
Strakosha took a Zapata foot to the head after struggling to deal with a Wallace back pass, and after some initial concerns, was able to continue in the match. He wasn’t asked to do much as Atalanta kept control of the match, while Lazio failed to carve out dangerous chances.
Milinkovic-Savic fired a header wide of the mark from a corner, while Caicedo ran onto a ball knocked down by the Serbian, only to see his effort deflected wide of the mark.
It looked as though Lazio would salvage a draw after Francesco Acerbi nodded home a Luis Alberto cross in injury time, but after consulting with VAR, it was judged that the Italian was offside – allowing Atalanta to secure three points.
Zapata coming good for Atalanta
After going on a run of 12 Serie A matches without a goal, the Colombian has rediscovered his form in spectacular fashion.
Monday’s winner was his fifth goal in his last three matches, a run that has helped Atalanta climb back into the equation for a European spot as they now sit level with Roma and Sassuolo for sixth.
Lazio firing blanks
Despite having nearly 90 minutes to find an equalizer, Lazio never looked as though they would find a way past Etrit Berisha – and they didn’t.
Aside from some half chances by Immobile, the likes of Milinkovic-Savic and Caicedo looked off the pace – giving Inzaghi much to think about as the Biancocelesti are now winless in their last five matches.
