I Nerazzurri continued their push to return to Europe against a Salernitana side looking to further cement their top-flight status for a successive season, but the visitors’ firepower was somewhat stunted from that of their previous meeting earlier in the season. Indeed, Atalanta’s 8-2 demolition of I Granata in January proved to be the lowest point of the home side’s season thus far, equalling their heaviest top-flight defeat. On this occasion, Gian Piero Gasperini’s side were dominant from off but their attempts to prise Salernitana open had little effect with Duván Zapata’s overpowered header sailing harmlessly over from six yards, before Guillermo Ochoa comfortably parried away an ambitious long-range attempt from Éderson. Conditions at a windswept Stadio Arechi would quickly deteriorate with a heavy downpour preventing any pattern of play from emerging in an unremarkable first half.
The HT introduction of Rasmus Højlund, playing in a more advanced role, signalled Atalanta’s intent to bank maximum points with UEL qualification still very much within reach. However, their lack of attacking output continued to frustrate despite the challenging conditions underfoot. Salernitana had barely threatened as the hour mark approached but the hosts almost made an unlikely breakthrough with two chances in quick succession. Atalanta’s Zapata lost his footing inside his own half to spark a rare break forward from Salernitana, but leading scorer Boulaye Dia’s finish was lacking, as was Krzysztof Piątek’s follow-up attempt to Erik Botheim parried cross shortly.
A series of late corners saw the hosts gain momentum that would threaten to spring a dramatic finish. And deep into added time, Piątek’s knockdown was rifled home from the edge of the box by veteran substitute Antonio Candreva.
The surprise victory almost cements Salernitana’s Serie A status, whilst Atalanta remain in sixth, temporarily at least, with Roma, on level points, in action on Sunday, with fifth-placed Milan able to move six points ahead later this afternoon.
Flashscore Man of the Match: Lassana Coulibaly (Salernitana)
