Fiorentina showed their class late on as they marched on to a 3-2 victory over Atalanta at Stadio Atleti Azzurri d’Italia on Sunday afternoon.
The game looked like it was heading to an underwhelming conclusion until the 67th minute when the scoring was opened with a well taken looping header from Matias Fernandez of Fiorentina. Christian Tello then broke quickly to score a second 15 minutes later before home-town graduate Andrea Conti pounced to direct home after a corner wasn’t cleared in the 84th minute to give Atalanta hope.
Late substitute Nikola Kalinic, scored a poachers goal after connecting with Borja Valero’s measured pass across the six yard box. Mauricio Pinilla put away a much deserved strike to make it 3-2 but it was too late to make the game too nervy for the Viola as the result keeps them in third position in Serie A.
Atalanta
Marco Sportiello – 5.5 – Let Down
Claimed everything in sight and put confidence in his defence. He did concede three second half goals, but had little chance with either as his defenders failed to help him out.
Andrea Conti – 5 – Over Excited
Looked unsettled and his tackling was clumsy. The local boy did score his first home goal for Atalanta, which arguably lead to his sending off for a second bookable due to his emotion.
Rafael Toloi – 5 – Weak
A slightly under-par display as he took his eye off the ball for a couple of the goals.
Andrea Masiello – 5.5 – Nervous
His touch was off in the first half and didn’t look assured. He did grow into the game but couldn’t track Kalinic when he was introduced.
Boukary Drame – 6 – Energetic
He tackled well and looked to get forward when possible. Kept Christian Tello in his pocket in the first half but was beaten once for the away side’s first opening goal.
Jasmin Kurtic – 6 – Shuttler
Made good runs to support the attack but nothing was incisive enough to cause great problems.
Marten de Roon – 6 – Waned
He anchored the midfield well but he was beaten too easily on a couple of occasions. His effective passing ability waned as he tired in the second half.
Luca Cigarini – 6 – Stunted
A little niggle suffered early on did hamper his dynamism but his usual effort was still apparent in this tie.
Marco D’Alessandro – 6 – Bright
Looked bright and caused issues for Pasqual on the wing. He was substituted in the second half as his contribution faded.
Mauricio Pinilla – 6.5 – Persistent
Throughout the match, he showed good awareness to pin down his markers and was always a presence in the box. A goal and an assist came his way, with him waiting at the back post to smash home his effort to get Atalanta a second to make it 3-2 in injury time.
Alejandro Gomez – 4 – Invisible
Getting subbed off in 61st was probably the best thing for him as he provided little as an attacking threat.
Substitutes
Alessandro Diamanti – 4.5 – Shackled
Was brought on to provide incisive passing but unfortunately could not find space to work.
Serge Gapke – 4.5 – Struggled
Sought to get on the ball but was well-martialed as he couldn’t shake his markers.
Marco Borriello – N/A
Source: forzaitalianfootball.com