Atalanta eased to a comfortable 2-0 win over Bologna on Sunday, a result that coach Gian Piero Gasperini believes is "worth double" in the race for a top-four finish.

Serie A's leading scorer Mateo Retegui starred in the win, helping his side race into a two-goal lead inside just 21 minutes at Gewiss Stadium.

Retegui broke the deadlock just three minutes in, firing into the net from Raoul Bellanova's cross to score his 23rd league goal of the season.

He then turned provider to set up Mario Pasalic for the second.

Atalanta only had four shots, but kept Bologna at arm's length going the other way, leaving Gasperini satisfied with his team's performance as he rebuffed some of the negative criticism that has come their way after a recent poor run.

"When you win games of this calibre, it feels like it is worth double for the table," Gasperini told DAZN, with Atalanta having started the day just one point above Bologna.

"We are satisfied, after games where we didn't get the results we deserved, we know that this is football too.

"When you score that early, it puts you in a position to control the match."

Gasperini's comments come after Atalanta succumbed to three defeats on the trot, all without finding the net, prior to their win over Bologna.

"I honestly struggle to give too negative a view of our last few performances, despite the results, but today we were more solid and converted our chances," Gasperini said.

After registering his 28th goal involvement of the season in Serie A, Retegui was substituted in the 80th minute, though he did not seem pleased to come off the pitch.

Gasperini was understanding of his frustration, adding: "He has played practically every match, except when he was injured, so naturally forwards get substituted more because it’s important to have fresh legs in those roles.

"I thought it was Retegui's best performance of this year, for his quality and intensity, he was a constant reference point for the rest of the team."

Retegui has now been involved in 28 league goals this season, having scored 23 and assisted five.

Only Mohamed Salah (45), Harry Kane (30) and Omar Marmoush (30) have contributed to more goals in Europe's top five leagues in 2024-25.

Speaking to DAZN, Retegui echoed his coach's sentiments about Atalanta's progression.

"We're very happy with this result, we showed everyone that we're fine, and we have learned from the mistakes we made. We hope to continue like this," Retegui said.

"Obviously, I want to score goals in every game. I know it's difficult, but the important thing is to win to get into the Champions League. Then if I reach 30 goals, it's fine."

With four of their six remaining games coming against teams in the bottom half of the table, Gasperini's side have a favourable run-in.

They take on ninth-placed AC Milan next weekend at San Siro, with a 10-point gap separating the two teams.