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Another Riccardo Zampagna stunner gave Atalanta a crucial victory to take them up to second place in Serie A, dooming Lazio to their first defeat.
The pressure was on the Biancocelesti to jump-start their season after three consecutive draws and the midweek Champions League 1-1 at Olympiacos. It was a tense return for former Atalanta Coach Delio Rossi, but Luigi Del Neri was beaming after the 10-man squad earned a 2-2 result at Fiorentina.
Atalanta hadn't beaten Lazio since 1997 and were without the suspended Moris Carrozzieri and Thomas Manfredini. Lazio had long-term injuries for Mobido Diakhite, Fabio Firmani and ex-Orobici star Sebastiano Siviglia.
Diego De Ascentis set up an early strike from Riccardo Zampagna, while former Atalanta hitman Stephen Makinwa's cross found Stefano Mauri for a low volley that skimmed the upright.
Makinwa again went close with a cross-shot that flashed across the face of goal, but Goran Pandev couldn't get on the end of it. Makinwa's header from a corner kick was well held by Coppola.
Atalanta broke the deadlock just before half-time. Ferreira Pinto pushed down the right flank and lifted his cross to the back post for a precise Antonio Langella header between the upright and Fernando Muslera.
In stoppages it was nearly 2-0, as Langella's cross couldn't get the decisive touch off either Ferreira Pinto or Zampagna.
After the break Pandev's precise cross found Cristian Manfredini, but the former Chievo midfielder's header shaved a coat of paint off the frame of the goal.
Makinwa had a penalty appeal for his collision with Coppola, then Muslera parried a Zampagna effort.
On 62 minutes Langella nearly completed his brace, but the acrobatic left-foot strike cannoned off the crossbar.
But Lazio equalised with substitute Massimo Mutarelli, as the Atalanta defence was caught napping on a Pandev cross and he was ready to tap in at the back post undisturbed.
Pellegrino's header was saved and a Simone Inzaghi strike was deflected round the post.
Just as Lazio were pouring forward, Zampagna struck deep into stoppages to restore Atalanta's lead. A long goal kick went straight over Guglielmo Stendardo and Zampagna showed his incredible feel for the goal by flicking it over Muslera in acrobatic fashion.
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