Atalanta's Rasmus Hojlund celebrates after scoring to 1-0 during the Serie A soccer match between Monza and Atalanta, in Monza, Italy, Monday, Sept. 5, 2022. (Claudio GrassiLaPresse via AP)
The Associated Press
ROME (AP) - Unbeaten Atalanta moved two points clear atop the Serie A after beating Silvio Berlusconi's last-placed Monza 2-0 on Monday.
What's more, Atalanta did it without its starting forwards Duvan Zapata and Luis Muriel.
The 19-year-old striker Rasmus Højlund put Atalanta ahead near the hour mark after being set up by Ademola Lookman.
Eight minutes later, Lookman appeared to have the tap in but on closer review there was a deflection and the score went down as an own goal from Monza defender Marlon.
After five rounds, Atalanta moved two points ahead of Napoli and defending champion AC Milan, with Udinese, Roma and Torino all three points back.
Monza, making its top-division debut, has lost all five of its matches, leaving coach Giovanni Stroppa at risk of losing his job.
Torino beat Lecce 1-0 with a goal from Nikola Vlasic.
Also, Salernitana and Empoli drew 2-2.
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Atalanta's Ademola Lookman celebrates with teammates after scoring to 2-0 during the Serie A soccer match between Monza and Atalanta, in Monza, Italy, Monday, Sept. 5, 2022. (Claudio GrassiLaPresse via AP)
The Associated Press
Atalanta's Ademola Lookman, left, and Monza's Carlos Augusto go for the ball during the Serie A soccer match between Monza and Atalanta, in Monza, Italy, Monday, Sept. 5, 2022. (Claudio GrassiLaPresse via AP)
The Associated Press
Atalanta's coach Gianpiero Gasperini looks on during the Serie A soccer match between Monza and Atalanta, in Monza, Italy, Monday, Sept. 5, 2022. (Claudio GrassiLaPresse via AP)
The Associated Press
Atalanta's goalkeeper Juan Musso saves on Monza's Gianluca Caprari during the Italian serie A soccer match between AC Monza and Atalanta BC, at the U-Power Stadium in Monza, Italy, Monday Sept. 5, 2022. (Claudio Grassi/LaPresse via AP)
The Associated Press
Empoli's Martin Satriano celebrates after scoring a goal during the Italian Serie A soccer match between Salernitana and Empoli at the Arechi stadium in Salerno, Italy, Monday Sept. 5, 2022. (Alessandro Garofalo/LaPresse via AP)
The Associated Press
Salernitana's coach Davide Nicola gives instructions during the Italian Serie A soccer match between Salernitana and Empoli at the Arechi stadium in Salerno, Italy, Monday Sept. 5, 2022. (Alessandro Garofalo/LaPresse via AP)
The Associated Press
Salernitana's Lassana Coulibaly, right, fights for the ball with Empoli's Martin Satriano during the Italian Serie A soccer match between Salernitana and Empoli at the Arechi stadium in Salerno, Italy, Monday Sept. 5, 2022. (Alessandro Garofalo/LaPresse via AP)
The Associated Press
Salernitana's Pasquale Mazzocchi celebrates scoring a goal during the Italian Serie A soccer match between Salernitana and Empoli at the Arechi stadium in Salerno, Italy, Monday Sept. 5, 2022. (Alessandro Garofalo/LaPresse via AP)
The Associated Press