Bologna have earned a vital win in their battle against relegation from Serie A after beating Atalanta BC 3-0 at the Stadio Renato Dall'Ara this afternoon.

German Denis should have opened the scoring for the visitors in the opening minutes, but after rising to meet Marco D'Alessandro's cross, he could only place his close-range header over the bar.

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It was Bologna who were next to threaten midway through the first half as Emanuele Giaccherini was picked out inside the six-yard box, but could only slice the ball over the bar.

Early in the second half the home side had another decent chance to score as Luca Rossettini rose highest to meet a free kick at the back post, before guiding his header over the bar.

However, the Rossoblu were soon in front as Giaccherini burst into the box and worked some room on his right foot to bury a low strike into the corner.

It got even better for Bologna five minutes later as Mattia Destro was found on the edge of the box by Adam Masina, before drilling a low strike out of the reach of Marco Sportiello and into the net.

With five minutes left to play Franco Brienza wrapped up the points for the hosts with a swerving drive from range that left the keeper with no chance as the ball ended up in the top corner.