Genoa 2-0 Atalanta

Genoa needed just 45 minutes to see of the challenge of Atalanta and record only their second victory of 2010.

Rodrigo Palacio put the Rossoblu ahead in the eighth minute before Hernan Crespo sealed the win three minutes before the break.

Atalanta tried hard to find a way back into the game in the second half, but the home side held on for three points which keep them in touch with the top six.

Genoa started at a frenetic pace, looking to rediscover their irresistible early-season form at the Stadio Luigi Ferraris and get their European challenge back on track.

And they got off to a flyer with Palacio putting them ahead in the eighth minute.

Alberto Zapater lifted an inviting pass over the top of the Atalanta defence for Palacio to latch onto and, noticing Ferdinando Coppola off his line, he lifted the ball over the Atalanta goalkeeper and into the back of the net from the edge of the area.

Palacio was on fire on his return to the Genoa team after a spell sidelined due to injury and his precise ball sent Giandomenico Mesto through, but Coppola was alert to the danger and raced from his line to clear.

Atalanta were on the back foot but they still managed to test Genoa goalkeeper Marco Amelia in the 28th minute with Tiberio Guarente's shot forcing him into a save at full-stretch.

But Genoa added a second before the break to give themselves a two-goal cushion.

Omar Milanetto's free-kick was flicked on by Palacio to Crespo, who connected with a very determined header to send the ball across Coppola from six yards out and score his fifth goal of the season.

The home side's two-goal lead did not look watertight as Atalanta emerged with a much more positive approach in the second half.

They had recovered from a 2-0 deficit to draw with Bologna in midweek and a repeat looked possible when Jose Talamonti shot over just after the hour mark.

Some confusion in the Genoa penalty area almost favoured Roberto Acquafresca in the 67th minute, but Amelia punched the ball out of the danger zone.

Atalanta substitute Ernesto Chevanton tested Amelia in the 76th minute as the visitors increased the pressure.

They were almost punished three times by David Suazo on the break but, despite the Genoa substitute hitting the post once, a third goal was not in the offing as the hosts got back to winning ways after a recent draw and a defeat.

Atalanta remain second from the bottom of the table with their Serie A future now looking bleak.