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ROME (AP) — Mario Balotelli showed flashes of form as he returned to Brescia’s lineup after sitting out a game due to disciplinary reasons. But it was another Mario who made the biggest impact in a regional Serie A derby with Atalanta on Saturday.
Mario Pašalić scored either side of halftime and Atalanta won 3-0 to remain in contention to keep its spot in the Champions League.
Balotelli hit the post early in the second half and also had several other chances.
Still, last-place Brescia lost its sixth straight and 10th in 13 matches this season.
Atalanta moved level on points with fourth-place Cagliari and fifth-place Roma — with the top four finishers qualifying for the Champions League.
Pašalić was left unmarked to head in Brescia’s opener and then scored his second with a slick backheel flick from close range.
Josip Iličić scored Atalanta’s third by finishing off a counterattack in added time.
Pašalić also hit the post, as did teammate Ruslan Malinovskyi.
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