Atalanta extended their impressive season with a well-earned Champions League victory over Stuttgart.
Despite Atalanta’s greater possession in the first half, Stuttgart had the better scoring opportunities.
Anthony Rouault missed a close-range header, and former Brighton forward Deniz Undav fired into the side netting after slipping past the defense.
Coming off a decisive 3-0 win over Napoli, the Serie A team began the second half energetically and took the lead through Ademola Lookman.
Gian Piero Gasperini’s decision to introduce Charles De Ketelaere at halftime paid dividends, as the substitute outpaced his marker and delivered a low cross that Lookman tapped in.
Lookman, who netted a hat-trick in last season’s Europa League final, has now scored eight times in 12 appearances across all competitions this season.
Stuttgart nearly responded immediately, but Ermedin Demirovic missed a close-range chance after a cross into the box.
Though Stuttgart increased their pressure, Atalanta sealed the win with a counterattack goal from substitute Nicolo Zaniolo.
Unbeaten and yet to concede in Europe this season, Atalanta moved up to ninth in the standings with eight points from four games, while Stuttgart dropped to 25th with four points.
On matchday five, Stuttgart will head to Belgrade to face Crvena Zvezda, and Atalanta will travel to Switzerland to take on Young Boys.