After defeating struggling opponents Udinese 2-0 at the Gewiss Stadium in Bergamo on Saturday, Atalanta moved up into the coveted UEFA Champions League spots in Serie A. Gian Piero Gasperini's team earned all three points thanks to a first-half brace from Italian striker Gianluca Scamacca and Russian offensive midfielder Aleksei Miranchuk.
The significant outcome puts the Coppa Italia winners from the previous season into the top four of Serie A, two points ahead of fifth-place ACF Fiorentina. It would be difficult for La Viola to recapture fourth place if they lose to Inter Milan, the previous league leaders, at Artemio Franchi Stadium on Sunday night. After suffering their third defeat in four games, rival Udinese Calcio is now dangerously only one point above the relegation zone in 16th place. Given their vulnerable position, under-fire manager Gabriele Cioffi will need a swift response from his soldiers.