Rome, Feb. 19 (BNA): Atalanta’s attempts to reach the top four in Serie A fell on Sunday after a surprising 2-1 defeat at home to Lecce, as the race for the Champions League qualifying spots intensified.
Assan Sesay and Alexis Blaine scored in each half for Lecce, who moved 10 points clear of the relegation zone with the win. Rasmus Hoglund pulled one back for Atalanta three minutes from time.
Atalanta fell to sixth place after Lazio beat Salernitana 2-0 to jump to fourth place. Lazio advanced by one point over Atalanta and Roma, who played against Hellas Verona, who is threatened with relegation later on Sunday.
Atalanta were hoping to move level with third-placed Milan, ahead of their match next week, reports the Associated Press.
But it got off to the worst possible start as Ceesay drove a low shot into the bottom left corner from over 30 yards out to give Lecce the lead in the fourth minute.
Atalanta coach Gian Piero Gasperini was angry with his players in the first half, but the host team improved after the break.
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