As both sides looked to bring to an end dismal runs of form, it was the visitors that had the best chance early on, when Sandi Lovrić found himself in behind, before firing a wayward effort wide of Juan Musso’s left-hand post. Perhaps a lack of goalmouth action wasn’t too surprising, as La Dea had won just one of their last four games in all competitions, while Udinese had tasted victory only once in their last 17 games in all competitions.
It took all the way up until the 47th minute for Atalanta to test Marco Silvestri in the Udinese goal, with the shot-stopper doing well to palm away Éderson’s driven effort from range after a positive start from the hosts after the break. Gian Piero Gasperini’s men remained on the front foot from there, and dangerman Ademola Lookman began to pull the strings, stinging the palms of Silverstri, before firing an effort wide in wasteful fashion. Despite being at the heart of Atalanta’s improvement, however, Gasperini controversially substituted the winger just after the hour mark.
Such was the contrast in performance in the second half, it wasn’t until late on that Musso found himself tested once more, as he had the easy task of grasping hold of substitute Florian Thauvin’s tame effort. And, in what was a frustrating display, the sides couldn't be separated despite chances to find the back of the net at both ends. With the point, Atalanta remain sixth and five points adrift of the UEFA Champions League places, whilst Udinese rise up into ninth place.
Flashscore Man of the Match: Marco Silvestri (Udinese)
