Samardžić’s 90th-minute goal gives Atalanta a 1-0 win

Atalanta secured a 1-0 win over Bologna at New Balance Arena on Monday, with Lazar Samardžić scoring in the 90th minute to decide a closely contested Serie A encounter. The result lifted Atalanta to eighth place with three points from one game, while Bologna remained 14th on zero points after one match.

Late breakthrough settles a tight contest

The decisive moment arrived in the final minute of normal time. After Atalanta introduced N. Zalewski in the 55th minute, the substitute provided the assist for Samardžić, who finished to give the home side the lead. Samardžić had come on alongside N. Krstovic in the 68th minute, replacing Ederson, and needed only 30 minutes to make the difference.

The goal was particularly important given how little separated the teams on the scoresheet for most of the match. Atalanta made further changes before the winner, with C. De Ketelaere and G. Raspadori replaced by N. Zalewski and E. Elmas. Bologna also turned to its bench in the second half, bringing on R. Orsolini and A. Dovbyk for J. Odgaard and R. Piccoli in the 60th minute.

Bologna had the greater attacking volume

The statistics showed a clear contrast between the result and the overall balance of play. Bologna held 58% possession, completed 680 passes at a 91% accuracy rate and attempted 16 shots. Atalanta had 42% possession, 478 passes and six shots. Bologna also recorded 10 shots off target compared with Atalanta's two, while the visitors produced three shots on goal to Atalanta's two.

However, the expected-goals figures offered a stronger indication of Bologna's attacking threat: 1.29 to Atalanta's 0.16. Despite that advantage and 10 shots from inside the box, Bologna could not find a way past Marco Carnesecchi. Atalanta's goalkeeper made three saves, while Bologna's goalkeeper made one, and the home side's defensive work preserved the narrow lead once it arrived.

Discipline and standout performers

D. Tedesco was shown a yellow card for Bologna in the 61st minute, while N. Krstovic was booked for Atalanta in the 73rd. Atalanta committed 10 fouls to Bologna's 13, and the visitors were caught offside four times compared with none for the hosts.

Carnesecchi was the standout performer according to the match ratings, receiving an 8.2 after making three saves in 98 minutes. Samardžić followed with a 7.7, supported by his late goal and one shot on target. The victory continued Atalanta's winning form, while Bologna's opening loss left Domenico Tedesco's side without a point from its first listed game.