Serie A: Venezia Sinks Deeper as Atalanta Grabs 2-0 Victory

Atalanta overcomes injury crisis to defeat Venezia 2-0, with Mario Pasalic and Mateo Retegui scoring in either half.

Atalanta secured a convincing 2-0 win over struggling Venezia, despite being heavily depleted by injuries. The visitors lost Sead Kolasinac, Odilon Kossounou, Rafael Toloi, Marco Brescianini, Gianluca Scamacca, and Giorgio Scalvini, but welcomed back Matteo Ruggeri and Berat Djimsiti.

Venezia, missing only Bjarki Bjarkason, handed Filip Stankovic his debut in goal. However, their woes deepened as Atalanta struck early. Mario Pasalic volleyed home from six yards after Mateo Retegui's clever header from a corner (7'). Retegui later hit the side-netting, while Stankovic denied Charles De Ketelaere's powerful effort.

The first half saw Gaetano Oristanio's curler sail over, and Michael Svoboda nearly scored an own goal. Marco Carnesecchi saved Antonio Zampano's fierce strike, and Ademola Lookman's screamer crashed against the crossbar (28'). De Ketelaere's left-foot finish skimmed the top corner.

Retegui doubled Atalanta's lead immediately after the restart, stealing the ball from Antonio Candela and lobbing Stankovic expertly. Alfred Duncan drilled wide, and Ederson tested Stankovic's gloves. Oristanio fired over again, while Stankovic fingertipped Lazar Samardzic's effort over the bar.

Atalanta's win heaps pressure on Venezia, who have lost four of their last five games.