Lazar Samardžić scored deep into stoppage time as Atalanta snatched a 1-0 victory over Bologna at the New Balance Arena on Monday, maintaining Maurizio Sarri’s perfect start to the Serie A season.
The match appeared destined to finish goalless after Bologna had frustrated the hosts for long periods, but Samardžić broke the deadlock in the sixth minute of added time to settle a tight contest.
Samardžić Decides Tight Contest
Atalanta struggled to impose themselves for much of the evening as Bologna enjoyed the greater share of possession and looked the more purposeful side in possession. The visitors created the clearer openings without finding a way past Marco Carnesecchi.
Atalanta’s attacking threat was limited as Bologna’s defensive organisation denied Gianluca Scamacca, Giacomo Raspadori and Charles De Ketelaere the space needed to make a decisive impact.
With the game heading towards a second successive league match without a win for Bologna, Atalanta found their moment at the very end.
Samardžić, introduced from the bench in the second half, produced the decisive finish in the 96th minute to send the home side into celebrations and leave Bologna empty-handed.
Sarri Makes It Two Wins From Two
The victory gives Sarri two Serie A wins from his opening two league matches in charge of Atalanta. His side had begun the campaign with a 2-1 victory over Sassuolo and have now followed that result with another narrow home success.
It was not a dominant performance, but Atalanta showed the kind of patience that can prove valuable during a long campaign. Bologna had enough possession and attacking initiative to take something from the match, yet Atalanta remained in the contest until the decisive late moment.
The result also reverses the outcome of the corresponding fixture from last season, when Bologna won 1-0 in Bergamo.
Bologna Left to Reflect on Missed Chances
Domenico Tedesco’s side produced a disciplined performance and largely kept Atalanta away from dangerous positions. The visitors’ inability to turn their territorial advantage into a goal, however, ultimately proved costly.
Bologna began the season with a 1-0 defeat to Lazio and were again unable to find the net. Their performance in Bergamo offered signs of improvement, but the result leaves Tedesco still waiting for his first Serie A points as Bologna coach.
For Atalanta, the importance of the victory extends beyond the three points. Sarri’s team are still adapting to his methods and system, but two wins from two have provided an ideal start as the new season gathers pace.
Atalanta now turn their attention to their next league assignment away to Roma on September 5, while Bologna will host Sassuolo the following day.