Atalanta boost top-four hopes by seeing off Cremonese

Atalanta moved level on points with fourth-placed AC Milan in Serie A on Saturday with a 3-1 win at bottom club Cremonese.

Gian Piero Gasperini's team made it back-to-back victories either side of the international break to leapfrog Roma into fifth place, behind Milan on head-to-head record.

Runaway leaders Napoli are 19 points clear as they romp towards a first Scudetto since 1990, but the next five teams are separated by only five points in the race for Champions League qualification.

Dutch midfielder Marten de Roon gave Atalanta the lead just before half-time, although they were pegged back by Daniel Ciofani's penalty for relegation-destined Cremonese.

But Jeremie Boga put the visitors back in front with 17 minutes remaining.

The Ivorian tapped in after an excellent run and low cross from fellow substitute Rasmus Hojlund, who scored five goals in two games for Denmark in their recent Euro 2024 qualifiers.

Ademola Lookman wrapped up the three points in injury time with his 15th goal of the season but first since January.

Later on Saturday, third-placed Inter Milan host Fiorentina and Juventus take on Verona.

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© Agence France-Presse