Super Eagles midfielder Ebenezer Akinsanmiro delivered a composed performance for Monza before being substituted in a 1-0 Serie A defeat to Atalanta on Sunday.

Akinsanmiro, making his eighth Serie A appearance of the season — a campaign in which he has already contributed one assist — held his own in midfield before manager gave way to Dany Mota in the 73rd minute.

Krstovic's strike settles it

The match turned on a single moment early in the second half, when Nikola Krstovic broke the deadlock in the 49th minute to hand Atalanta the advantage they would not relinquish.

Monza responded with urgency, flooding forward and peppering the Atalanta penalty area with a stream of dangerous crosses in search of an equaliser.

Carnesecchi the difference

Atalanta goalkeeper Marco Carnesecchi proved the difference between the two sides, producing a commanding display to deny Monza's best efforts and keep his clean sheet intact.

The result means Monza came away from the contest empty-handed, while Atalanta claimed all three points and secured a vital away victory.