MILAN — Atalanta continued its fantastic season as it produced two late goals to beat relegation-threatened Udinese 2-0 and move into the top four in Serie A on Monday.
The result came days after it booked a place in the Italian Cup final.
Atalanta moved into the final Champions League berth, a point above fifth-placed Roma and three above Torino and AC Milan.
There are four rounds remaining.
"The guys were extraordinary; let’s not forget that it’s the third victory out of three, including the Italian Cup," Atalanta coach Gian Piero Gasperini said.
"Maybe it was the two points lost in the 0-0 draw at Empoli two Mondays ago that gave us the impetus for the hat trick."
Marten de Roon converted a penalty eight minutes from time after Udinese midfielder Sandro tripped Andrea Masiello, and Mario Pasalic deflected a strike three minutes later.
Rodrigo de Paul hit the post for Udinese and visiting goalkeeper Juan Musso pulled off a number of fine saves to deny Atalanta.
Udinese remained four points above the relegation zone.
MORE MISERY
Fiorentina’s miserable form continued as it lost at home to Sassuolo 1-0.
Domenico Berardi scored in the first half and Fiorentina midfielder Jordan Veretout had a penalty saved by Andrea Consigli minutes later.
Sassuolo dominated and Merih Demiral thought he doubled their lead but, after a lengthy wait, it was ruled out on video review for offside.
Fiorentina has won just one of its past 15 matches in all competitions, dating to the beginning of February.
[relatedlinks]
