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Antonio Langella's brace gave Atalanta a much-needed victory despite Cristiano Doni's missed penalty, but Catania's five-match unbeaten run was ended.
The two minnows flying high at the moment went head-to-head, Catania unbeaten in five and Atalanta in sixth place. The Orobici were looking for their first Serie A victory in Sicily after eight unsuccessful trips and had star striker Riccardo Zampagna suspended along with Diego De Ascentis.
Giuseppe Mascara had a couple of long-range piledrivers, including a left-foot effort that shook the side-netting.
Ferreira Pinto struck the upright on 21 minutes, as his shot ricocheted off Stovini's back and left Ciro Polito stranded, but stopped its journey at the upright.
Moments later Moris Carrozzieri blasted over from close range when a corner was not cleared effectively.
Andrea Sottil clearly dragged Sergio Floccari back by his shirt for a penalty, but Cristiano Doni incredibly fired the spot-kick wide of the near post! Doni had netted in the last three games running, but wasted this glorious opportunity.
Mascara turned another good chance over the bar and Ferdinando Coppola controlled Giovanni Tedesco's attempt.
Atalanta took the lead after 56 minutes, the first goal Catania have conceded at home in over a month. Polito managed to beat away Antonio Langella's first shot, but the follow-up from eight yards was fired high into the far top corner.
Within moments it was 2-0, as Langella again smashed an angled drive across the face of goal from a not dissimilar position.
Catania gave themselves a lifeline seven minutes from time with Gionatha Spinesi holding off two defenders to smash a strike from the edge of the area over Coppola.
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