Atalanta and Bologna share spoils

Atalanta and Bologna shared two goals to get the point both were looking for in a low-key 1-1 draw.

Atalanta and Bologna shared two goals to get the point both were looking for in a low-key 1-1 draw at the Stadio Atleti Azzurri d'Italia. After a dull first 45 minutes in which both sides appeared happy enough running the clock down and taking a point each, Atalanta emerged for the second half with a bit more motivation. Luigi Giorgi gave them the lead midway through the second period, but Alberto Gilardino equalised and the game returned to its first-half rhythm, with both teams seemingly content to settle for a draw. The result increases the two teams' cushions over the relegation zone to 10 and 11 points respectively. It seemed more like a training match to begin with as neither side made any great effort to attack. A corner provided the first moment of danger, but Andrea Consigli denied Gilardino from close range. Moments later, Bologna lost Cristiano Del Grosso to injury after he clashed with Marko Livaja, providing the only real drama of the first 45 minutes. Atalanta felt an obligation to entertain their fans a little more in the second half, with Gianluca Curci denying Livaja. The home side gained more attacking momentum, with Giorgi giving them the lead in the 67th minute when Curci made a hash of reaching Brivio's cross and allowed the Atalanta winger to score at the far post. German Denis went close to making it two in the 72nd minute, but Curci saved his header. Bologna levelled in the 77th minute when Alessandro Diamanti picked out Gilardino, who got a lucky break before slotting the ball in from close range. With parity restored, neither side took any more risks, although Bologna lost Curci to an injury in stoppage time which could signal the end of his season. With all the substitutes already used up, Davide Moscardelli went in goal, but he was not tested in just 30 seconds between the posts.