Roma's defeat to Inter over the weekend opened up space for Atalanta to further strengthen their ambitions, but the start of the match in Salento was slower. The home side had the first chance, but Sadik Fofana shot inaccurately after Ilber Ramadani's cross.
As the match progressed, the visitors took control, with Charles de Quetelare the most dangerous individual. The Belgian threatened after a combination with Nikola Krstović, but Lecce goalkeeper Vladimiro Falcone made an excellent intervention.
Giorgio Scalvini gave Atalanta the lead midway through the first half, after another move involving De Quetellare. The young defender easily beat the keeper and fired a powerful shot into the net for 1-0.
Atalanta could have had a more convincing lead by the time the break began, and Krstović came closest to scoring. The Montenegrin striker first headed over the goal, before his powerful shot was stopped by the eager Falcons.
Atalanta continued to dominate in the second half, and the second goal was a matter of time. De Quetelare was once again in the spotlight, playing brilliantly past Krstović, who routinely fired into the bottom corner against his former club – his seventh of his last nine away goals. Krstović did not celebrate the goal, but raised his hands in apology.
Towards the end of the match, Atalanta slowed down the pace, but still managed to score a third goal. Giacomo Raspadori made it 3:0 with a powerful shot.
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