In an engaging match that saw three penalties converted, Dusan Vlahovic and Fiorentina shocked Atalanta in Bergamo, winning 1-2.
Atalanta, needing to rebound after disappointing matches against Torino and Bologna, struggled to contain Fiorentina’s counter attack. Though the hosts were quality in possession, finishing was an issue as the club again failed to score during open play.
Gian Piero Gasperini deployed his familiar attacking 3-4-2-1, with Duvan Zapata at striker. Notably, Atalanta kept two top attacking options, Josip Ilicic and Ruslan Malinovskiy, on the bench.
Vincenzo Italiano and Fiorentina countered with a 4-3-3, led by Vlahovic and Jose Callejon. The Viola also lacked two key attacking players: left-winger Nicolas Gonzalez and midfielder Gaetano Castrovilli.
? Iniziamo così contro la Fiorentina!
⚡️ Here's our line-up to face Fiorentina!Presented by @Plus500#AtalantaFiorentina #SerieATIM #GoAtalantaGo ⚫️? pic.twitter.com/bpS5atAGHX
— Atalanta B.C. (@Atalanta_BC) September 11, 2021
Despite Atalanta’ aggressive high press, Fiorentina earned the first chance of the match. Riccardo Sottil came face-to-face with goalkeeper Marco Sportiello, but a desperate slide tackle from Jose Palomino stifled the attack.
Minutes later, Berat Djimsiti seemingly broke the deadlock for the hosts. The defender easily scored from close-range off of a cross from the left, but VAR ultimately disallowed the goal.
As the match progressed, Atalanta continued to attack through the wings. Gasperini’s side found ample space, creating dangerous combinations and whipping in crosses. Zapata was particularly creative, often connecting with Matteo Pessina and Alexsei Miranchuck in the channels.
Midway through the first half, a serious shoulder injury to Lorenzo Venuti saw Alvaro Odriozola make his Fiorentina debut.
Then, another VAR review gave Fiorentina its first penalty kick after it was determined that a cross struck Joakim Maehle in the hand. Vlahovic confidently slotted the ball by Sportiello, putting the visitors ahead.
FORMAZIONE | ?
Il nostro undici per #AtalantaFiorentina ⚜️#ForzaViola ? #Fiorentina pic.twitter.com/bxtsh6TA0V
— ACF Fiorentina (@acffiorentina) September 11, 2021
The first half ended with Fiorentina in front, but with Atalanta pushing for an equalizer. La Dea was strong when in possession, but allowed their opponents several counter-attacking chances.
These counter-attacks ultimately gave Fiorentina another penalty in the opening minutes of the second half. Jack Bonaventura intercepted a poor pass by the Atalanta defense, and Djimsiti made a poor tackle on the midfielder in the box. Vlahovic again finished the penalty kick for his second goal of the night.
Just after bringing on Robin Gosens and Malinovskiy for offensive support, Atalanta nearly halved the deficit. Zapata found space between defenders and fired a low shot, but Sportiello managed a quality diving save.
With time quickly elapsing, Atalanta finally opened its account, thanks to yet another penalty on Fiorentina’s Callejon. Zapata stepped to the spot and finished, giving his club life with less than 30 minutes remaining.
Fiorentina responded, continuing to look for another goal. Yet another counter attack released substitute Riccardo Saponara on the left wing, but his subsequent cross just missed the feet of Vlahovic.
Feeling the match still had a goal left, Italiano brought on Gonzalez and Castrovilli, even as Atalanta threatened to equalize. Zapata was dominating the match at this stage, exploiting time and space in the centre of the pitch.
The final minutes of the match saw Atalanta frantically attacking, replacing the Colombian striker with Roberto Piccoli, but to no avail. The Nerazzurri again dropped points in a winnable match and will look to improve next week against Salernitana.
Fiorentina, meanwhile, will look to continue its form by winning a third straight against Genoa in Liguria.