Atalanta loses ground in Serie A title race
Atalanta was held to a goalless draw at home to mid-table Cagliari in a match of few chances and little quality in Serie A, osing ground on the league leaders.
The title-chasing hosts struggled to find a telling breakthrough in the match against visiting opposition, which kept things tight effectively without ever threatening.
After an uneventful first half, the biggest moment of the game came on the hour when the hosts thought they had scored the opener.
Midfielder Marco Brescianini turned the ball home from a corner, but the goal was ruled out for a foul on Cagliari goalkeeper Elia Caprile.
The draw leaves Atalanta third on the Serie A table, five points off leader Napoli and three behind second-placed Inter Milan.
Cagliari, meanwhile, is 13th on 25 points and has a home game against Juventus next up in the league.
Atalanta boss Gian Piero Gasperini conceded that his side's lack of fit strikers cost is proving costly in the quest for the Serie A title.
"We could have taken all three points today, but we are currently dealing with a numerical shortage," Gasperini said.
"We are suffering tremendously from the absence of strikers, but those who alternate in these situations are extraordinary; everyone adapts.
"It's become harder for us to secure wins, especially at home, despite dominating large parts of the game, and that’s how we ended up with this result."
