Atalanta’s title hopes took another blow on Saturday as they were held to a goalless draw by Cagliari, leaving them four points adrift of Serie A leaders Napoli, who face a tough test at Lazio later in the day.
The match in Bergamo was largely uneventful, with Atalanta unable to break down a determined Cagliari side, currently sitting 13th in the table. With Napoli aiming to stretch their lead over Inter Milan, who will face Juventus in a Sunday grudge match, the draw further complicates Atalanta’s pursuit of a first league title.
Injuries to key players, including attacker Ademola Lookman, forced Atalanta manager Gian Piero Gasperini to rotate his squad, dropping starters like Marten de Roon, Ederson, and Charles De Ketelaere ahead of a crucial Champions League return leg against Club Brugge. Atalanta trail 2-1 after a controversial penalty decision in the first leg.
The hosts’ best chance came in the 60th minute when Marco Brescianini thought he had scored from close range, only for a foul by Stefan Posch on Cagliari goalkeeper Elia Caprile to disallow the goal. Caprile also thwarted substitute Vanja Vlahovic, who replaced Mateo Retegui just before the disallowed goal.
AC Milan will look to recover from their midweek Champions League loss at Feyenoord when they host Verona in the late match.
AFP
