Antonio Di Natale brace guides Udinese past Atalanta

Another masterclass performance from Antonio Di Natale has earned Udinese a sixth successive Serie A win at the expense of Atalanta BC this afternoon.

Francesco Guidolin's side needed maximum points to maintain their Europa League charge but fell behind after just 10 minutes.

Guiseppe de Luca gave the visitors a shock lead as he made the most of a fumble from Zeljko Brkic to tuck home the rebound from close range.

Just before the break Udinese equalised as Di Natale measured an assured finish into the bottom corner after neat approach play from Allan.

Early in the second half Di Natale made another telling contribution to edge his side ahead.

The veteran forward beat the offside trap before controlling and guiding a clever strike into the corner for his 25th goal of the campaign.

Udinese held firm in the closing stages to stay fifth in Serie A and take a crucial advantage in the race for fifth place.