Ferrara (Italy), Sep 18 (IANS): Spal defeated visiting Atalanta 2-0 here to rise to the second place in the Serie A football league, three points behind leaders Juventus.

A few months after barely avoiding relegation at the end of their first top-flight campaign in 49 years, Spal have made a brilliant start to the 2018-2019 season, with three victories and a draw, reports Efe news.

Nearly 13,000 people turned out for Monday's inaugural match at the club's newly renovated Paolo Mazza stadium in Ferrara and they were not disappointed.

Both goals were scored by former Atalanta player Andrea Petagna, Spal's biggest summer signing.

Petagna put the hosts ahead 1-0 in the 50th minute, converting a rebound on a set piece, and completed the brace just six minutes later on a shot that deflected off Atalanta defender Rafael Toloi and into the net.

Spal are tied on points with Napoli at 9, but the Ferrara club hold second place on goal difference.

Atalanta, with 4 points from four matches, are 13th.