Atalanta 1 : 2 Hellas Verona - Toni lifts Hellas up to 10th

Posted Saturday, April 19, 2014 by PA

Hellas Verona moved back into the top half of the Serie A table with a 2-1 win at Atalanta on Saturday afternoon.

Former Atalanta midfielder Massimo Donati put the visitors ahead early in the second half and Luca Toni doubled their lead in the 72nd minute.

German Denis pulled one back for the hosts three minutes from time but Hellas held on for three points.

The win was the promoted club's 15th of the campaign and lifted them three points above their opponents and into 10th place with four games remaining.

Both teams went into the encounter in Bergamo level on 46 points and having already assured top-flight football next season.

The hosts were first to threaten in the 16th minute when Carlos Carmona's 30-yard strike had power and precision but was met by a fine save from Hellas goalkeeper Rafael.

Midway through the first half, Toni fired high and wide from close range with only Atalanta goalkeeper Andrea Consigli to beat.

The visitors almost went ahead before half-time when Marquinho fed Juan Iturbe in the area, but his right-footed attempt was well saved by Consigli.

Hellas broke the deadlock in the 53rd minute when Donati drilled a right-footed shot from 30 yards into the top-right corner and out of Consigli's reach.

The men from Verona continued to push forward and were again rewarded.

Iturbe set up Toni in the area and the veteran forward struck the ball from 12 yards past Consigli for his 18th goal of the campaign.

Shortly after, substitute Juan Gomez was unlucky not to add Hellas' third of the afternoon when his right-footed effort from a central position struck the far post with Consigli beaten.

Hellas could not hold onto their two-goal advantage as they failed to clear Luca Cigarini's free-kick, allowing Denis to slot home with his right foot, but they defended deeply thereafter and held on for victory.