Substitute Zaniolo decided a hard-fought encounter in Sardinia by stroking home Raoul Bellanova's cut-back in the 66th minute and moving Atalanta five points clear.

Aston Villa missed the chance to go top of the Premier League, with manager Unai Emery proclaiming VAR was "too much" after Nicolo Zaniolo's late goal salvaged a 1-1 draw at home to struggling Sheffield United on Friday.

AS Roma forward Stephan El Shaarawy was called up to the Italy team on Friday after Sandro Tonali and Nicolo Zaniolo were sent home amid a probe into alleged gambling offences.