Claudio Ranieri was left to rue a missed penalty as Inter Milan lost more ground in the fight to qualify for next season's Champions League.
When Gianpaolo Bellini fouled Giampaolo Pazzini in the area after 22 minutes, the referee pointed to the spot and Diego Milito stepped up to take the resulting spot-kick.
However, the Argentine saw his penalty saved by Atalanta goalkeeper Andrea Consigli.
The Nerazzurri were on top for most of the game and nearly opened the scoring after 36 minutes when Pazzini diverted Maicon's cross goalwards.
Consigli was equal to the effort and saved comfortably. Pazzini went close again on the stroke of half time, when he was supplied by Milito, but found Consigli on top form.
Atalanta were not without their opportunities, especially in the second half. Manolo Gabbiadini and Ferreira Pinto both test Juilo Cesar, who was up to the challenge.
The game ended goalless, leaving Inter in seventh and Atalanta in 12th.
Michael Penkman
