Everton succumbed to a thorough thrashing in their first Europa League encounter of the season, as the 'Toffees' were comprehensively defeated by Atalanta.

Three goals in an electric first half performance by Gian Piero Gasperini's side stunned an Everton side deprived of ideas, energy and initiative, outplayed by a visibly hungrier Atalanta side.

Excitement was palpable from the offset for Atalanta, as the Italian outfit started their first European campaign for 26 years after a surprise fourth placed finish in last season's Serie A. Despite not being in their home stadium, ineligible as a venue due to UEFA's regulations, the 'La Dea' faithful were in magnificent voice in their temporary home 120 miles from Bergamo.

Everton started slowly against a hungry Atalanta side, with talisman Wayne Rooney - starting despite rumours of off-the-pitch concerns - popping up more often in the left-back channel than in front of goal. The 'Toffees' could not heed the warning signs when Masiello's effort was saved superbly by Stekelenburg, as the marauding defender received the ball from the resulting corner and struck first blood.

Amidst increasing pressure, Everton's forwards grew isolated up front with the team dropping further back. Atalanta made the pressure count with a quickfire double at the end of the half, scoring their second goal through a sweet strike by main man Gomez, curled in from outside the are into the top corner of the Everton goal.

Three minutes later Atalanta had their third, as Everton manager Ronald Koeman looked on visibly displeased by his side's lax showing. With a loose touch being intercepted and the ball being shipped forward, the excellent Petagna ran at pace towards the goal with options to his left. The ball was weighted perfectly for an on-rushing Cristante to slot home, sending the Atalanta faithful into raptures.

With Everton starting a second half of a European match three goals down for the first time in their history, Koeman's side seemed fresher to begin with as Rooney saw a shot saved.

It wouldn't last long though, as Atalanta were soon back in the driving seat. Stekelenburg was again called into action after crisp interplay from the frontmen, before seeing Gomez shoot high from close range. Freuler would follow up the pressure with a shot hitting the upright on it's way over the Everton goal, as the 'Toffees' offered little in response throughout the second period.

Ronald Koeman will be worried ahead of the team's visit to league leaders Manchester United, as Everton's return to Europe after eight years started miserably. It was a performance to savour for the Atalanta fans, though, who will travel home happily having seen their side return to Europe with a bang.

A. Masiello

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