Atalanta 0 : 1 Lazio - Hernanes effort enough for Lazio

Hernanes' first-half strike earned Lazio a winning start to the new Serie A season as they recorded a 1-0 victory over Atalanta.

The Brazil international netted the only goal of the game after 18 minutes as the Orobici's hopes of immediately getting back into the black in terms of points ended in disappointment.

Atalanta started the new campaign with a two-point deduction for their role in the Calcioscommesse match-fixing scandal but they could not take anything out of this match despite creating a number of good openings.

The first arrived in the 11th minute when Maximiliano Moralez, who was a constant thorn in Lazio's side, drew a save from visiting goalkeeper Federico Marchetti with a 25-yard effort.

Seven minutes later, though, Atalanta were a goal down when Stefano Mauri's low cross into the area found Hernanes and he slotted into an empty net from close range.

Mauri looked to double Lazio's lead with an effort from outside the box before Atalanta came close to an equaliser in the 32nd minute when Marchetti did superbly to keep out Moralez's brilliant free-kick.

Atalanta also looked to have a great opportunity in the 43rd minute but Ezequiel Schelotto was stopped in his tracks but a debatable offside call when he just had Marchetti to beat.

Atalanta, who last season overcame a six-point penalty to narrowly miss out on a top-half finish, continued to press for an equaliser in the second half and, after Alvaro Gonzalez had gone close for Lazio with a superb volley, Moralez sent an ambitious 30-yard effort.

The Argentina international then set up a chance for his countryman German Denis from a free-kick, but the much-travelled striker was unable to beat Marchetti as Lazio held on for the points.