This archive report was first published on 3 July 2020.
Atalanta's 2-0 Serie A win over Napoli on Thursday extended their lead in the Champions League spot, with nine matches remaining. The match, played behind closed doors, saw Atalanta's Mario Pasalic and Robin Gosens score early in the second half, breaking Napoli's resistance.
Gian Piero Gasperini's side, now unbeaten in nine league matches, are 15 points ahead of sixth-place Napoli and 12 points in front of Roma, who slumped to a shock 2-0 defeat to lowly Udinese.
Published on July 3, 2020, Napoli's five-match winning league run was brought to an end in Bergamo, with AC Milan and Hellas Verona now closing in on the Europa League spot.
Atalanta's victory was marked by a cagey first half, with Napoli goalkeeper David Ospina being stretchered off after a collision with Atalanta defender Mattia Caldara. The hosts then gave up two sloppy goals in the early minutes of the second half, effectively ending Napoli's chances of a result.
"It's a shame that the fans aren't here to see this," said Gasperini, after another good performance behind closed doors. "It's really sad because I can imagine what kind of atmosphere there would have been for the match today."
Meanwhile, Roma's dismal display against Udinese has further complicated their Europa League qualification hopes. The away side should have made more of their one-man advantage after Diego Perotti received a straight red card for a clumsy challenge on Rodrigo Becao.
Published on July 3, 2020, Roma travel to Napoli on Sunday with their qualification for the Europa League far from secure, with Milan and Verona also snapping at their heels.
