German Denis struck twice as relegation-threatened Atalanta beat Sassuolo 2-1 at home on Sunday to hand coach Edy Reja his first win since taking over last month.
The Argentinian striker put the hosts ahead three minutes before half-time before Domenico Berardi pulled Sassuolo level in the 59th minute.
Berardi then converted a penalty in the 62nd minute after Sassuolo's Matteo Brighi had fouled Maximiliano Moralez.
Sassuolo searched for the equaliser but suffered a setback when Simone Missiroli was shown a second yellow card in the 71st minute.
Atalanta also ended the game with 10 men after Giuseppe Biava was handed his marching orders for a second bookable offence nine minutes from time.
Atalanta's first victory since February 1 has lifted them seven points clear of third-bottom Cesena, who lost 1-0 against Chievo on Sunday.
Sassuolo are 12th in the standings and without a win on the road since January 6.
Atalanta, who occupy the last position of safety, dominated the opening half and had the first chance in the ninth minute but Alejandro Gomez's left-footed strike was saved by Sassuolo goalkeeper Andrea Consigli.
In the 24th minute Denis attempted to put his team in front when he headed Boukary Drame's cross but it went just wide.
The South American made no mistake shortly after when he got behind Moralez's pass to beat Consigli with a right-footed shot from the heart of the area.
Sassuolo almost equalised on the stroke of half-time but Berardi's hard-drive from 30 yards was saved by Atalanta goalkeeper Marco Sportiello.
The visitors showed more intent after the restart and were rewarded before the hour.
Nicola Sansone set up Berardi in the six-yard box and his diagonal shot beat Sportiello.
Sassuolo's joy was shortlived as the referee pointed to the spot after Moralez went down in the area.
Denis converted the penalty, beating Consigli with a right-footed strike.
Missiroli was then handed his marching orders for a foul on Marcelo Estigarribia.
In the 76th minute, Simone Zaza's goal-bound shot from 15 yards was blocked by an Atalanta defender.
Biava's sending off for a late tackle on substitute Antonio Floro Flores did not hinder Atalanta, who held on for a vital victory.
ends