ROME: Mario Balotelli showed flashes of form as he returned to Brescia’s line-up after sitting out a game due to disciplinary reasons. But it was another Mario who made the biggest impact in a regional Serie A derby with Atalanta on Saturday.

Mario Paali scored either side of halftime and Atalanta won 3-0 to stay in the Champions League qualifying places.

Balotelli hit the post early in the second half and had several other chances. Still, last-placed Brescia lost their sixth straight and 10th in 13 matches this season.

Atalanta moved level on points with fourth-placed Cagliari and fifth-placed Roma with the top four finishers qualifying for the Champions League.

Torino won at Genoa 1-0 with a second-half header from Gleison Bremer after the hosts hit the woodwork twice.

Lecce also won away over Fiorentina 1-0 with a diving header from Andrea La Mantia.

Published in Dawn, December 2nd, 2019