Atalanta climb up to 5th place after beating Salernitana

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Atalanta took a big step towards Champions League football on Monday after coming from behind to win 2-1 at relegated Salernitana and move up to fifth in Serie A.

Gian Piero Gasperini's side moved above Roma on goal difference with a game in hand thanks to goals in six second-half minutes from in-form striker Gianluca Scamacca and Teun Koopmeiners.

Atalanta host Roma on Sunday in a match that could well decide which of that pair claim a spot in Europe's top club competition next season, with five available to Serie A.

"A match like that (Roma) is obviously crucial, but before that we have another which we think is rather important," joked Gasperini to DAZN.

Gasperini was referring to Atalanta's Europa League semi-final decider with Marseille on Thursday night, a tie which is level at 1-1 following last week's first leg in southern France.

"I've not often seen a stadium like theirs which is so big but also transmits so much passion, so it doesn't surprise me that they're not the same team away from home, but I expect a tough game nonetheless," added Gasperini.

It wasn't all plain sailing for Atalanta on Monday as Gasperini made three changes at half-time with his team trailing to Loum Tchaouna's fine curling opener for the hosts in the 18th minute.

Koopmeiners was one of those substitutes and he gave Atalanta the points in the 63rd minute with a brilliant strike after Scamacca prodded home his 10th goal in 12 matches.