The result could have been very different if Samp had capitalised on their bright start.
Harry Winks tested the water with a long-range effort that flew past the post, before Juan Musso made a stunning double save to deny Manolo Gabbiadini and Tommaso Augello in quick succession.
The hosts had another scare when Nicola Murru's long throw caused panic in the box, as Gabbiadini saw his effort blocked before Mehdi Leris blazed his strike over the bar.
La Dea looked to punish the visitors for their profligacy; Rasmus Hojlund weaved his way into a shooting position and saw his shot parried into the path of Ademola Lookman, who failed to connect properly on the rebound.
The Bergamo outfit grew into the contest and broke the deadlock through Joakim Maehle, who perfectly timed his run into the box to head home Hans Hateboer’s cross after Lookman’s initial header hit the woodwork.
Lookman was not to be denied though and netted his 12th league goal of the season with a brilliant drilled strike into the bottom corner after a superb surging run forward.
Only compatriot Victor Osimhen (13) has scored more goals in Italy’s top-flight, with the 25-year-old now scoring seven times in his last four appearances across all competitions.
The stuffing had well and truly been kicked out of Dejan Stankovic’s side, who failed to improve on their dismal total of eight league goals all season and remain 19th - eight points adrift of safety.
Meanwhile, Gian Piero Gasperini’s team have genuine hopes of reaching the Champions League and dining at European football’s top table once again, with this result moving La Dea, at least temporarily into the top-four.
Flashscore Man of the Match: Ademola Lookman (Atalanta)
