Krstovic double helps Atalanta beat winless Venezia 3-1 as Kulenovic earns Torino 2-1 win over Udinese
Nikola Krstovic scored twice as Sarri's Atalanta beat bottom side Venezia 3-1, while Torino came from level to beat Udinese 2-1 in Monday's Serie A games.
Atalanta and Torino closed out matchday six of Serie A with home wins on Monday, 12 October. Nikola Krstovic scored twice as Maurizio Sarri's Atalanta beat bottom club Venezia 3-1 in Bergamo, and Torino edged Udinese 2-1 in Turin to return to winning ways.
Atalanta fly out of the blocks
Atalanta had the match in hand inside half an hour at the New Balance Arena. Franck Kessie opened the scoring in the fourth minute, and Krstovic doubled the lead two minutes later with a header from an Eljif Elmas corner.
The Montenegro striker added his second just after the half-hour mark, turning in the rebound after Venezia goalkeeper Stankovic parried a shot from Rowe. Venezia's Antoine Hainaut pulled one back before half-time, but the visitors could not find a second despite hitting the woodwork twice after the break.
According to Atalanta's official match report, Elmas was sent off late in the game following a VAR review for a foul, but the ten men saw out the result. The victory took Atalanta to nine points from six games.
Venezia still without a point
For Giovanni Stroppa's Venezia, it was a sixth straight league defeat at the start of the season. They remain bottom of Serie A with no points, having conceded 16 goals in six matches.
Venezia did have moments in Bergamo, including efforts that struck the bar and the post, and a close-range chance saved by Marco Carnesecchi. But a slow start left them chasing the game almost from kick-off.
Kulenovic settles it for Torino
The evening game in Turin was tighter. Ignazio Abate's Torino went ahead in the first half through Braganca, but Udinese hit back before the interval when Ekkelenkamp levelled the score.
The decisive moment came midway through the second half, when Kulenovic scored to put Torino back in front. Kosta Runjaic's Udinese could not find a second equaliser, and Torino held on for a win that Italian outlet CalcioMercato described as a return to winning ways and an important jump up the table.
Monday's results completed a round in which Inter moved to the top of the table with a 3-0 win over Parma on Saturday.
What comes next
Serie A matchday seven begins on Friday, 16 October, with Frosinone against Sassuolo. Atalanta travel to San Siro to face AC Milan on Sunday, 18 October, while Venezia host Napoli on Saturday, 17 October, in what looks a difficult test for the league's bottom side.
Udinese host Lecce on Sunday. With only six rounds played, Atalanta and Torino will both hope Monday's wins can spark a run up the table.
Key takeaways
- Atalanta beat Venezia 3-1 with goals from Kessie and Krstovic (two) inside the first 31 minutes.
- Atalanta's Elmas was sent off late after a VAR review, but the result was never in doubt.
- Venezia remain bottom of Serie A with no points after six defeats.
- Torino beat Udinese 2-1 through Braganca and a second-half winner from Kulenovic.
FAQ
Who scored for Atalanta against Venezia? Franck Kessie scored first, and Nikola Krstovic added two goals in the first half. Antoine Hainaut replied for Venezia before the break.
How many points do Venezia have? None. Venezia have lost all six of their Serie A matches so far this season.
When does Atalanta play next? Atalanta visit AC Milan on Sunday, 18 October, in Serie A matchday seven.
Sources: Atalanta BC, ysscores, TuttoUdinese, ANSA, CalcioMercato, Football Web Pages