Atalanta boosted their chances of Champions League qualification with a commanding 4–0 victory over relegation-bound Monza in a Serie A clash on Sunday.
Nigerian forward Ademola Lookman was among the scorers as the Bergamo-based side tightened their grip on third place, moving six points clear of fifth-placed Juventus, who face Bologna later today.
Charles De Ketelaere gave Atalanta a strong start with two first-half goals — his first in the league since before Christmas — before Lookman and Marco Brescianini sealed the win with clinical finishes after the break.
Despite the convincing win, Atalanta’s place in next season’s UEFA Champions League is not yet guaranteed, with three games remaining and a critical encounter against Roma, who are also in the top-four race, coming up next weekend.
The match took place under a somber atmosphere following the death of Atalanta supporter Riccardo Claris, who was fatally stabbed during a confrontation with Inter Milan fans near the Gewiss Stadium on Saturday night. Supporters paid tribute to the 26-year-old with a banner reading “Claris everywhere with us.”
The defeat confirmed Monza’s relegation to Serie B, ending their three-year run in the Italian top flight. Alessandro Nesta’s team sits 12 points adrift of safety with no mathematical chance of survival following Lecce’s 1–0 loss to Napoli on Saturday.
Meanwhile, the race for the final Champions League spots remains tight. Roma, currently seventh and unbeaten in 18 league games, could leapfrog Lazio into fourth with a win over Fiorentina. Lazio, who defeated Empoli 1–0, remain just one point above Juventus and two ahead of sixth-placed Bologna.
Napoli and Inter Milan continue to lead the title race, well ahead of the crowded pack vying for European qualification.
