Atalanta’s struggles this Serie A season continued with a 3-0 home defeat to US Sassuolo, extending their winless streak to seven matches (D5, L2).

The hosts started brightly and nearly took the lead after just eight minutes, when Ademola Lookman’s rapid shot was superbly blocked on the goal line by Jay Idzes.

Sassuolo gradually grew into the game and were awarded a penalty just before the half-hour mark after Marco Carnesecchi fouled Andrea Pinamonti in the box. Domenico Berardi calmly converted from the spot, giving the visitors the lead and marking his third Serie A goal of the season. Atalanta struggled to create opportunities, registering just one shot on target in a frustrating first half for Ivan Jurić’s side.

The visitors doubled their advantage two minutes after the interval. Berardi set up Pinamonti inside the box, allowing the Italian striker to swivel past his marker and slot the ball home with ease.

Atalanta showed brief signs of life in the 55th minute when Nikola Krstovic’s effort went wide, while Sassuolo nearly put the game beyond doubt as Kristian Thorstvedt dragged a close-range chance off target.

The final blow came midway through the second half. Thorstvedt played a perfectly weighted through ball, sending Berardi clean through on goal, and the striker finished coolly to complete his brace and seal a comprehensive win at the New Balance Arena.

Sassuolo fans will be delighted with their team’s progress, with last season’s Serie B champions now sitting eighth in the table. Meanwhile, Atalanta’s struggles continue, leaving Jurić’s side in 13th place after just two wins from 11 Serie A games.