Serie A: Atalanta Frustrated by Torino in 1-1 Draw, Losing Ground in Title Race

Atalanta's Serie A title hopes suffered a setback as they were held to a 1-1 draw by Torino, despite having a penalty saved by Vanja Milinkovic-Savic.

Atalanta's Serie A title aspirations suffered a significant setback as they were held to a disappointing 1-1 draw by Torino. This result meant that Atalanta missed the opportunity to exert pressure on league leaders Napoli and Inter.

Atalanta's recent form had been a far cry from their impressive 11-game winning streak in Serie A. Having secured just one victory in their subsequent five matches, this encounter against Torino took on a must-win complexion. The hosts made a strong start, seeking to get back on track.

Raoul Bellanova initially thought he had given Atalanta the lead midway through the first half, slamming home a loose ball at the far post against his former side. However, his celebrations were short-lived, as the goal was chalked off due to a handball call. Undeterred, Bellanova played a crucial role in Atalanta's eventual opener, delivering a precise corner that found the head of Berat Djimsiti. The defender had cleverly worked himself free in the area and powered a header past Vanja Milinkovic-Savic.

The significance of set pieces was highlighted once more when Torino equalized, courtesy of Valentino Lazaro's pinpoint free-kick. The delivery fell perfectly for Guillermo Maripan, who guided the ball home from six yards.

The points are shared in #AtalantaTorino 🤝 pic.twitter.com/gZDURsYyvx

— Lega Serie A (@SerieA_EN) February 1, 2025

Atalanta felt aggrieved in the second half when they believed Saul Coco had handled the ball in the area. However, following a VAR check, it was deemed that Coco's arm was in a natural position, and no penalty was awarded. Atalanta dominated the second half, seeking a winner, but Torino's resolute defense proved difficult to breach.

VANJA MILINKOVIĆ-SAVIĆ! 🧤

Retegui denied from the spot ❌#AtalantaTorino 1-1 pic.twitter.com/n1jbWFN2Sa

— Lega Serie A (@SerieA_EN) February 1, 2025

Gian Piero Gasperini's side was presented with a golden opportunity to regain the lead when Adrien Tameze was penalized for holding Mateo Retegui's shirt in the area. Retegui stepped up to take the penalty, but his effort was thwarted by Vanja Milinkovic-Savic, who saved his third penalty of the season.

Atalanta continued to push for a winner in the closing stages, but they were repeatedly thwarted by Torino's resolute defense. Despite their best efforts, La Dea was unable to break down the visitors' dogged rearguard, and the match ultimately ended in a 1-1 stalemate.

The draw marked Atalanta's fourth in their last six Serie A games, and with their title rivals playing later in the weekend, they are likely to lose further ground in the championship race. In contrast, the result was a positive one for mid-table Torino, who extended their unbeaten run in the league to six games.