Udinese have claimed a 2-0 victory over Atalanta BC to move up to third place in the Serie A table.

Antonio Di Natale gave the hosts the lead on the sixth minute when he stole possession just outside the box before curling a strike into the top corner of the net.

Atalanta looked for a quick response and Luca Cigarini saw his effort from range saved by Orestis Karnezis.

Cyril Thereau then had a sight of goal for the hosts, but, after being played into the box by Di Natale, he was unable to find the target with his attempt from a tight angle.

In the 36th minute, Udinese doubled their lead as Thereau drove towards the edge of the box and bent an effort into the far corner, leaving the keeper rooted to the spot.

They had further chances to extend their lead before half time as Di Natale chipped an effort just over the bar before curling a free kick narrowly wide of the post soon after.

After the break, German Denis came close to pulling a goal back for Atalanta, but he could only guide his header from a corner wide at the front post.

Denis had another chance for the visitors approaching the hour mark, but again he was unable to keep his header on target.

Bruno Fernandes missed the chance to score a third for Udinese in the closing stages when he fired wide, but his side still maintained their impressive start to the season.