Atalanta 2 : 1 Siena - Atalanta claim crucial win

Atalanta came from behind to beat fellow strugglers Siena 2-1 at the Stadio Atleti Azzurri d'Italia, leaving their opponents six points behind them and at the bottom of Serie A.

Giacomo Bonaventura's goal eight minutes from time was enough to win the game for Stefano Colantuono's side, who fell behind to a goal from Reginaldo on the hour mark.

Luca Cigarini replied immediately for the Nerazzurri before Bonaventura's winner while Siena's Carlos Carmona was sent off from the bench for complaining about a penalty which was not given.

Atalanta caused the first period of confusion inside the Siena penalty area after 15 minutes, but defender Massimo Paci took charge of the situation to clear the ball.

German Denis then got in the first shot of the game in the 20th minute, but there was no danger to the Siena goal as the ball deflected behind for a corner.

Alessio Sestu wasted Siena's first half chance of the game when he sent the ball too far in front of him when a better touch would have left him with just Ciro Polito to beat.

Reginaldo put Siena in front on the hour mark, turning well on Angelo's cross to beat Polito.

However the lead did not last very long, though, before Cigarini brought Atalanta back level within two minutes.

He beat Pegolo with a fine direct free-kick, leaving the Siena little chance inside his near post. The goals brought the game to life and the timid nature of the first 45 minutes was soon forgotten.

Indeed, there was nothing shy about Atalanta's claims for a penalty in the 63rd minute, but all they got instead was a yellow card for Stendardo and a red one for Carmona, who took his protests from the bench too far after the referee changed his decision after consulting with his assistant behind the goal.

Siena thought they had regained their lead in the 70th minute, but Paci's header was ruled out for a foul.

Cigarini tested Pegolo with a fine volley from distance in the 78th minute and Atalanta took the lead five minutes later.

Bonaventura picked up on a loose ball outside the penalty area and picked his spot to the left of Pegolo as Siena failed to clear their lines from a corner.

There was still time for Siena to respond, but they lacked the belief that they could do so as they fell to another defeat which leaves them bottom with just two points.