Atalanta end losing run with convincing win over pointless Venezia

Atalanta returned to winning ways in Serie A with a 3-1 victory over Venezia, who remain without a point after losing each of their opening six matches.

The result ended Atalanta’s three-game league losing streak and moved them on to nine points. They have also extended their unbeaten run against Venezia to eight Serie A meetings, winning seven and drawing one.

Atalanta needed only three minutes to take control at the Gewiss Stadium. Nikola Krstovic released Franck Kessie behind the Venezia defence, and Kessie calmly lifted the ball over goalkeeper Filip Stankovic to open the scoring.

The hosts doubled their advantage soon afterwards. Eljif Elmas delivered a corner into the area and Krstovic rose highest to head the ball past Stankovic.

Venezia’s goalkeeper then denied Charles De Ketelaere a third goal, but he was beaten again in the 30th minute. Stankovic could only parry Jonathan Rowe’s effort into the path of Krstovic, who reacted quickly to score from close range and complete his brace.

Venezia reduced the deficit before half-time when Antoine Hainaut headed Richie Sagrado’s cross into the net. The goal offered the visitors hope of mounting a comeback, although Atalanta continued to threaten.

Davide Zappacosta fired wide before the interval, while Venezia began the second half with greater purpose as they searched for a second goal.

Hainaut was again involved in a promising attack when he sent a cross towards Akor Adams. Adams headed towards goal, but Thomas Kristensen deflected the attempt over the crossbar to preserve Atalanta’s two-goal lead.

Kike Perez tested Atalanta goalkeeper Marco Carnesecchi with a long-range effort, and John Yeboah later used his pace to break through the home defence. However, his shot went straight at Carnesecchi.

Atalanta continued to look capable of restoring their three-goal advantage, with Krstovic denied by Stankovic as the hosts attempted to settle the contest.

Their task became more difficult in the closing stages when Elmas was sent off for a studs-up challenge on Thorir Johann Helgason. Atalanta were reduced to 10 men but managed the remainder of the match comfortably to secure three important points.

The defeat leaves Venezia bottom of the table with no points from six matches.

Atalanta’s next fixture is at home to Pafos in the UEFA Conference League on Thursday, when they will look to build on their first league victory in three matches.