Ederson and Zalewski steer Atalanta to win over Lazio

Goals by Ederson and Nicola Zalewski secured a 2-0 victory for Atalanta against Lazio in Serie A on Saturday, enhancing their prospects for European competition next season.

The Brazilian midfielder and Polish winger scored one before and one after the interval in Rome, which positioned them one point ahead of Como in the race for UEFA Conference League qualification.

Maurizio Sarri's Lazio side now trail by nine points in their pursuit of a continental spot.

Como suffered a 2-1 defeat at the hands of bottom-table Fiorentina earlier that day, dealing a setback to their ambitions.

In Rome, Lazio missed the presence of Spanish forward Pedro, sidelined by an ankle problem following his goal in the previous weekend's 2-2 stalemate away to Juventus.

Raffaele Palladino altered his Atalanta lineup with three adjustments from the midweek triumph over Cremonese, leaving skipper Mario Pasalic among the substitutes, while Ederson partnered Marten de Roon in central midfield.

The initial 15 minutes at the Stadio Olimpico proved nervy, highlighted by bookings for Atalanta's defenders Giorgio Scalvini and Honest Ahanor.

Lazio created the most promising opportunity in the opening half-hour when Kenneth Taylor compelled Marco Carnesecchi to make an excellent stop, yet it was Atalanta who took the lead.

The 26-year-old Ederson converted from the penalty spot to make it 1-0, after Danilo Cataldi conceded a handball inside his penalty area.

Post-interval, Lazio's appeals for a spot-kick were dismissed by VAR regarding an alleged handball by Atalanta at the 49-minute mark.

At the hour mark, Palladino's team extended their advantage through the 24-year-old Zalewski, who notched his first strike since September via a shot from just outside the penalty area.

Lazio's efforts to respond featured three attempts from forward Daniel Maldini, but they could not avert a second Serie A defeat in their last five outings.

Inter later entertain Juventus with an opportunity to widen their advantage at the top of the table to eight points over runners-up AC Milan.

The standout fixture on Sunday sees third-placed Napoli host Roma, with just three points separating the two teams.