Serie A: Genoa up to fifth with 4-1 victory over Atalanta

Iago Falque struck twice as Genoa won 4-1 at Atalanta on Sunday to climb to fifth in the standings and boost their prospects of playing in next season's Europa League.

Despite the defeat, Atalanta had their place in Serie A confirmed for another season after second-bottom Cagliari lost 1-0 to Palermo.

Genoa fell behind in the 17th minute when Mauricio Pinilla scored from the penalty spot.

After Leonardo Pavoletti equalised on the half-hour mark, Andrea Bertolacci put Genoa ahead in the 57th minute before Falque scored twice to put the game out of Atalanta's reach.

The outcome in Bergamo lifted Genoa above city rivals Sampdoria, who lost 1-0 to Lazio on Saturday.

Genoa are two points clear of Samp with two games remaining. A top-six finish would be good enough to qualify for the Europa League.

Edy Reja's Atalanta went into the clash in 17th place, eight points above Cagliari but missing five regular players through suspension.

They almost fell behind in the 11th minute when Bertolacci warmed the palms of Marco Sportiello with a long-range effort.

Atalanta then received a golden opportunity when the referee pointed to the penalty spot for a Nicolas Burdisso handball.

Pinilla struck his spot-kick towards the bottom left corner of goal and out of Genoa goalkeeper Mattia Perin's reach.

In the 28th minute, Pinilla's powerful header from Luca Cigarini's cross was saved by Perin.

Soon after, Genoa pulled level when Pavoletti got his head on Andrea Bertolacci's cross and his powerful effort beat Sportiello.

Atalanta could have regained their lead before the interval when Cigarini fed Boukary Drame in the box but his 12-yard attempt was saved by Perin.

Genoa looked more dangerous after the re-start and went in front when Edenilson set up Bertolacci in the area and his diagonal shot beat Sportiello.

The visitors struck again four minutes later. Pavoletti sent Falque through on goal and the Spaniard struck a left-footed shot past Sportiello.

Genoa were hungry for more and made it 4-1 when a fast break saw Pavoletti set up Falque in the area and he struck a 15-yard effort out of Sportiello's reach.

With seconds remaining, Pinilla saw his close-range shot denied by the crossbar with Perin already beaten.

But despite the heavy loss, Atalanta players celebrated at the final whistle with safety assured.