Fiorentina too strong for Atalanta

Fiorentina have kept alive their hopes of a top-three finish in Serie A this season with a 2-0 away win against 10-man Atalanta.

© AP Photos

Hosts Atalanta made the brighter start of the two teams and tested Emiliano Viviano after 12 minutes, Giacomo Bonaventura curling in a good cross for German Denis to head towards goal.

Then on 24 minutes Denis forced out another save from the Fiorentina goalkeeper with an acrobatic effort after some good work from Davide Biondini and Marko Livaja.

Fiorentina had to wait until the 43rd minute for their first real chance of the game, David Pizarro sending through Alberto Aquilani to shoot on goal only for Andrea Consigli to make the save.

Vincenzo Montella's side started the second half on a brighter note and took the lead in the 65th minute from the penalty spot.

Guglielmo Stendardo handled the ball inside the Atalanta penalty box and Pizarro made no mistake from 12 yards.

Marcelo Larrondo made it 2-0 seven minutes later when he smashed home after collecting Juan Cuadrado's through-ball.

Atalanta pressed on in the final minutes to earn something from the match but ended the contest with 10 men after Denis was sent off in the first minute of injury time for a bad challenge on Pizarro.