Serie A | Atalanta 1-1 Salernitana: Stumble in the great escape

Salernitana’s desperate bid to avoid relegation received a slight boost following a scrappy 1-1 draw with Atalanta tonight.

The Campania side won their last three consecutive league matches leading into this game, securing wins over Fiorentina, Udinese and Sampdoria, giving them hope of a late relegation zone escape. They came into this match sitting 19th in the Serie A table with 25 points, three behind relegation candidates Cagliari, who dismissed Walter Mazzarri earlier today.

For Atalanta, it’s been a tough start to 2022. Gian Piero Gasperini’s side have only won four times since the start of the calendar year and their hopes of European qualification now look fairly slim.

It was a fairly close half at the Gewiss stadium in Bergamo, with both teams sharing a number of close chances as they both fought for different dreams. After 27 minutes, however, it was Salerntiana who took the lead after Ederson calmly slotted home the strike following a set piece, making thing 1-0.

Atalanta continued to push in the second half, but their numerous attempts were of a slightly lower quality than the away side’s were, leaving Gasperini frustrated on the sidelines.

Salernitana bravely held on, but in the dying minutes of the match a defensive slip allowed Atalanta through; Mario Pasalic made no mistake in the box, finding the corner of the net to secure the equaliser.