Lazio have defeated Atalanta 2-0 in Rome to close the gap on Serie A leaders Juventus to three points.

© AP Photos

The visitors did most of the early running at the Stadio Olimpico, Luca Cigarini and Davide Brivio trying their luck but in vain.

The Aquile's game kicked into life from the half-hour mark, as Miroslav Klose and Hernanes went close in quick succession.

Hernanes had another chance on 40 minutes with a shot from outside the Atalanta penalty box, before Giuseppe Biava headed just wide on the stroke of half time.

Lazio continued to dominate proceedings after the break, Hernanes taking another shot from distance to force Andrea Consigli into making a good save.

The home side's pressure eventually paid off on 67 minutes when Sergio Floccari fired in from close range.

It became 2-0 to Lazio with 13 minutes of normal time remaining, Brivio inadvertently putting the ball into his own net.

Atalanta finished the game with 10 men as Carlos Carmona was dismissed in the 83rd minute for a second bookable offence.