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Atalanta pounced on two defensive howlers in the opening eight minutes and, despite going down to 10 men, held on for a surprise victory in Turin.
Both these teams were promoted in the summer, but while Atalanta have been challenging for a UEFA Cup spot, Toro would be content just to stay in Serie A for another season. Roberto Muzzi, Simone Loria and Luca Ariatti were suspended for this tie. The Granata had not won this home fixture in the top flight since 1993.
It took just 60 seconds for Atalata to silence the Stadio Olimpico. A free kick was cleared as far as Giampaolo Bellini's strike, but it took a decisive deflection off Torino defender Gianluca Comotto to leave Christian Abbiati stranded.
And by the eighth minute it was 2-0. Riccardo Zampagna doubled their tally by pouncing on a defensive error, as Gabriele Cioffi's horrible touch inside the area gave the striker an enticing ball to thump in.
Roberto Stellone had penalty appeals for the Granata, while Alex Calderoni did well to control a spectacular Cioffi overhead kick.
The Atalanta goalkeeper only parried an Alessandro Rosina drive from the edge of the area, but Nikola Lazetic somehow managed to balloon the rebound over from six yards.
However, it all went wrong for Atalanta when Adriano was shown his second yellow card for obstruction and shirt-tugging on the stroke of half-time. It seemed a little harsh for a second bookable offence, as it seemed to be a bit of both with Simone Barone. Adriano had to be accompanied from the field and Cristiano Doni was also booked for his protests.
Toro had a great chance to get back into the game on 69 minutes, but Stellone's point-blank shot was deflected on to the upright.
The celebration was only postponed by 60 seconds, as Elvis Abbruscato's looping free header at the back post dipped into the far corner.
Torino had a good chance to draw level in the final stages, but Japanese substitute Oguro fired straight at Calderoni from six yards. Stellone also nodded over the target.
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