Atalanta 1 : 0 Genoa - Marilungo makes it count for Nerazzurri

Atalanta edged Genoa 1-0 in Serie A to claim their first home win since December 21.

Substitute Guido Marilungo struck 12 minutes from time to hand the Bergamaschi their second victory in seven games.

Genoa were unlucky not to go in front in the 58th minute when Juraj Kucka's header from a corner struck the crossbar with Atalanta goalkeeper Andrea Consigli already beaten.

The result in Bergamo has lifted Atalanta to 13th in the standings, nine points clear of the relegation zone.

Genoa remain in 10th place, still searching for their first win on the road since December 10.

The encounter had been scheduled to be played earlier this month but was postponed due to heavy snow in Bergamo.

Genoa showed an improvement after last weekend's 4-0 defeat at Catania and had the first chance in the 17th minute when Giuseppe Sculli fed Rodrigo Palacio but his goalbound effort was blocked by Atalanta defender Federico Peluso.

Atalanta reacted and almost went ahead in the 21st minute when German Denis got past his marker and launched a 20-yard attempt that went wide.

The hosts continued to press forward and Genoa goalkeeper Sebastien Frey kept out Manolo Gabbiadini's powerful free-kick towards the far post before the half-hour mark.

On the stroke of half-time, Genoa wasted a good chance when Miguel Veloso sent in a dangerous cross but no-one was on the end of it.

Early in the second half, Veloso's powerful drive from 30 yards went over the bar.

Genoa were unlucky after Kucka's header from Giuseppe Sculli's corner-kick struck the bar.

With 20 minutes remaining, Alessandro Carrozza found Denis in the box and his right-footed shot was saved by Frey.

Atalanta finally went in front when Denis surged inside the area and found Marilungo, who struck past Frey and towards the bottom right corner of goal.

Genoa looked for the equaliser but Atalanta held on for victory.