VERONA, Italy (Interstat) — Hellas Verona opened its Serie A season with a commanding 3-1 victory over favored Atalanta on Saturday at Stadio Marc’Antonio Bentegodi.

The result defied pre-match projections that heavily favored the visitors. Atalanta entered with a 74.7% win probability, according to Interstat’s ELO system, which had projected a 1-1 draw.

Verona’s defense set the tone early. Defender Rafik Belghali opened the scoring in the 28th minute. Forward Giovane doubled the lead just eight minutes later. Midfielder Antoine Bernede sealed the win with a 71st-minute goal.

Atalanta’s lone reply came from substitute Gianluca Scamacca. The match featured three yellow cards, all shown to Atalanta players. Verona begins its campaign 1-0-0, while Atalanta starts 0-1-0.