MILAN: Atalanta drew 1-1 at Fiorentina on Mon­day after conceding a second-half penalty as they missed the chance to boost their hopes of a top-four finish in Serie A.

Gian Piero Gasperini’s side had the chance to move level on points with fifth-placed Inter Milan with a win in Florence but failed to capitalise after points were dropped by their rivals for Champions league qualification. AC Milan, who were held 1-1 at Bologna on Saturday, are four points ahead on 53 in fourth spot with eight games left.

Atalanta narrowly increased their advantage over seventh-placed Juve­ntus, who lost at Sassuolo on Sunday, to five points.

Atalanta broke the deadlock seven minutes before halftime when midfielder Joakim Maehle made a solo run into the box and sent a powerful left-foot shot past keeper Pietro Terracciano.

A penalty was awarded to Fiorentina 11 minutes into the second half following an extensive VAR review after defender Rafael Toloi handled. Arthur Cabral dispatched the spot kick.

A free kick by Cristiano Biraghi could have given Fiore the lead midway through the second half but his strike hit the bottom of the post and was cleared.

The hosts then almost scored in stoppage time through Giacomo Bonav­entura but Atalanta goalkeeper Marco Sportiello managed to stop the ball on the line with one hand.

Fiorentina, who are unbeaten since mid-February with 11 wins and three draws in all competitions, are ninth with 42 points and seven points behind the Europa Conference League spot currently held by Atalanta.

Published in Dawn, April 19th, 2023