Just two weeks after the historic win at San Siro, Bologna are brought crashing back down to earth by an Atalanta side on a 100 per cent record.

The Rossoblu had a spectacular start to the season with their 2-1 win away to Milan, but faced a much more defensively-minded opponent here. Massimo Marazzina returned from injury to partner Marco Di Vaio, while Atalanta were without Alessio Cerci, Christian Vieri, Diego De Ascentis and Marino Defendi.

This was the fourth meeting between the two tacticians and there hadn't been a single draw. Bologna goalkeeper Francesco Antonioli marked his 39th birthday.

It was Atalanta who had the strongest start and took the lead with a well-worked goal. Cristiano Doni's backheel was cleared by Castellini, but only into the path of Tiberio Guarente who did not hesitate in sliding into an empty net.

Bologna held more of the possession, but struggled to break down the well-martialled Orobici defence. In fact, Antonioli had to smother a Doni glancing header on Luca Cigarini's free kick.

Manfredini nodded a Guarente set play just wide at the back post, but on 40 minutes Doni's fantastic free kick curled over the wall and on to the upright with Antonioli rooted to the spot.

Bologna thought they had equalised, but substitute Bernacci - on his Serie A debut - was offside when Francesco Valiani's cross came in from the left for his volley.

Coppola flew to fingertip a Sergio Volpi missile of a free kick out from under the crossbar with one strong hand.