Bolchi returned to the club last week after Bruno Giordano was sacked for the second time this season - Alberto Cavasin was in charge in between his two stints at the helm.

And although his men ended a run of six successive defeats, the much-needed victory proved elusive.

The Sicilians remain eight points adrift of safety with just four games remaining.

Bolchi first coached Messina back in 1975-76 and he also had a stint at the club four years ago.

He was offered a warm reception by the home fans desperate for a saviour to rescue their season.

But when the action got underway, the size of his task became clear as mid-table Atalanta dominated the opening stages.

Their first chance came after 12 minutes when Antonio Bernardini cracked in a long-range drive which whistled past the post.

Home keeper Gabriele Paoletti was called into action for the first time after 18 minutes although he was barely troubled by a Luca Ariatti shot which he smothered with ease.

It took Messina 41 minutes to emerge as an attacking force.

Neat play from Sergio Floccari and Christian Rigano enabled the latter to fire in a shot which was bravely blocked by Atalanta defender Leonardo Talamonti.

And the home side were a touch fortunate to be level at the break as, on the stroke of half-time, Fernando Tissone came within inches of putting the visitors ahead with a drive from the edge of the area.

Atalanta's dominance continued after the interval and they ought to have gone ahead within three minutes of the restart.

Karamoko Cisse burst clean through on goal only for his effort to be blocked by Messina keeper Paoletti. The loose ball dropped at the feet of Ariatti but he shot wide.

Messina were the next side to come close.

After 64 minutes, Manolo Pestrin's deep cross found Rigano at the far post but, with the goal gaping, he lashed the ball high over the bar.

Former Italy striker Christian Vieri entered the fray for Atalanta and almost scored with a header from a corner, the ball flashing narrowly wide of the upright.

Vieri came even closer with 15 minutes to go, hitting the post after playing a neat one-two with Bernardini.

Messina did, at least, finish the game on top.

Half-time substitute Arturo Di Napoli lobbed just wide from the edge of the area while five minutes into injury time Rigano was again profligate at the far post, shooting over the bar when it looked easier to score.

It may prove a costly miss come the final shake-up.