Liverpool face a huge battle to stay in the Europa League after suffering a shock home defeat to Atalanta in the quarter-final first leg at Anfield.
Former West Ham forward Gianluca Scamacca scored in each half, before ex-Chelsea player Mario Pasalic added a late third goal to ensure the Italians start as strong favourites to reach the semi-finals when the sides meet in next Thursday's return in Bergamo.
Scamacca broke the deadlock in the 38th minute after Caoimhin Kelleher allowed his low drive to creep under him.
On a deeply frustrating night for below-par Liverpool, Darwin Nunez missed two big chances, while Harvey Elliott's curling attempt struck the bar before dropping on to the post.
Mohamed Salah, who started on the bench, forced a fine save from visiting keeper Juan Musso after Kelleher had atoned for his error to stop the unmarked Teun Koopmeiners from doubling Atalanta's lead.
The Reds were flat and lacked urgency in their play, and punished for some dreadful defending.
Scamacca took advantage of being left unmarked by doubling the lead with a crisp finish on the hour, while Pasalic's 83rd-minute strike came after Ederson was afforded too much space to shoot and, when Kelleher made a save, the Croatian snapped up the rebound.
Latest Stories
-
Elevating Ghana’s creative industry: A blueprint for competing with Nigeria and South Africa
1 hour -
Poor finishing a problem for Asante Kotoko throughout the season – Prosper Ogum
2 hours -
Samini teams up with Francis Osei for ‘Sticks N Locks’ EP
2 hours -
Government should resource record labels – Seven Xavier
2 hours -
I need majority in parliament to successfully complete my term – Akufo-Addo pleads
2 hours -
Next NDC government will not recognise illegal contracts signed by current administration – Sammy Gyamfi
2 hours -
Premier League clubs vote in favour of spending cap plans
2 hours -
Nigeria’s fuel crisis brings businesses to a halt
2 hours -
King Promise impresses fans at sold out show in Singapore
2 hours -
Ejisu by-election to proceed after plaintiff withdraws injunction application
3 hours -
CSOs and NGOs unite to push for priority demands at INC-4
3 hours -
Fuel tanker bursts into flames on Kumasi-Accra highway
3 hours -
EC’s stolen BVR kits, laptops: One granted bail, three still on remand
3 hours -
2 Things: Sista Afia releases first song off her upcoming album
3 hours -
GHS to embark on COVID-19 vaccination campaign starting May 4
4 hours