Atalanta continued their stellar Serie A campaign with a resolute 2-0 victory over AS Roma at the Stadio Olimpico, closing the gap to league leaders Napoli to just one point. This triumph marked the Bergamo outfit’s 13th unbeaten game across all competitions, further solidifying Gian Piero Gasperini’s side as genuine Scudetto contenders. Meanwhile, Roma’s struggles deepened as they slumped to a fourth consecutive defeat, leaving them dangerously close to the relegation zone in 15th place.
A Cagey First Half in the Capital
Both teams entered the match with contrasting fortunes. Atalanta, riding high on a wave of confidence, sought to maintain pressure on Napoli at the top. On the other hand, José Mourinho’s Roma were desperate to turn around their faltering season, having lost four of their last five league matches.
The opening exchanges showcased Roma’s urgency. Leandro Paredes tested Atalanta’s goalkeeper Marco Carnesecchi early with a powerful shot from outside the box. However, the Giallorossi’s bright start soon fizzled out, with clear-cut chances proving elusive for both teams.
Roma’s midfield, bolstered by Manu Koné, managed to restrict Atalanta’s typically fluid attack, ensuring the visitors struggled to carve out meaningful opportunities. Koné came close with a long-range effort that narrowly missed the target, but overall, both teams lacked the final ball to break the deadlock in a subdued first half.
A Tactical Battle After the Break
The second half began in much the same vein, with both sides appearing cautious and unwilling to commit too many players forward. As the hour mark approached, the match had yet to see a single shot on target since the restart, leaving fans at the Stadio Olimpico frustrated.
Sead Kolašinac finally offered some attacking intent for Roma with a speculative effort that flew well wide, but it was Atalanta who ultimately broke the deadlock. The breakthrough came courtesy of Marten de Roon, whose powerful strike from outside the box took a wicked deflection, leaving Roma goalkeeper Mile Svilar helpless. The goal not only underscored de Roon’s influence but also highlighted Atalanta’s resilience in finding a way through against stubborn defenses.
A Painful Setback for Roma
Roma’s response to conceding was disjointed at best. Struggling to regain composure, they failed to mount any significant attacking threat in the remaining minutes. Their misery was compounded when two former Roma players combined to seal the victory for Atalanta. Juan Cuadrado delivered a pinpoint cross into the box, where Nicolo Zaniolo rose highest to power a header past Svilar. The irony of Zaniolo scoring against his former club added salt to Roma’s wounds.
Zaniolo makes it two! ✌️#RomaAtalanta 0-2 pic.twitter.com/MEkHVdKjAo
— Lega Serie A (@SerieA_EN) December 2, 2024
The Giallorossi’s inability to convert chances into goals has become a recurring theme this season. With just one win in their last eight Serie A matches, Mourinho’s men find themselves perilously close to the relegation zone, a scenario unthinkable for a club of Roma’s stature.
Atalanta’s Unstoppable Form
For Atalanta, the victory extended their unbeaten run in all competitions to 13 matches, a testament to Gian Piero Gasperini’s tactical acumen and his squad’s depth. The team’s defensive solidity has been a key factor, complemented by their ability to score crucial goals in tight contests.
This season, Atalanta have struck a balance between disciplined defending and incisive attacking play. Players like de Roon, Zaniolo, and Cuadrado have stepped up in pivotal moments, while the squad’s collective work ethic has made them one of the hardest teams to beat in Serie A.
Gasperini’s side now sits just one point behind Napoli at the summit, with the dream of securing their first-ever Scudetto becoming increasingly tangible. With their impressive consistency, Atalanta are well-placed to challenge Italy’s traditional heavyweights in the title race.
Roma’s Season in Turmoil
In stark contrast to Atalanta’s upward trajectory, Roma’s campaign continues to unravel. Sitting 15th in the Serie A standings, Mourinho’s side has struggled to find any rhythm or cohesion. Their inability to score goals—compounded by defensive lapses—has left them in a precarious position, just above the relegation zone.
A look at the table after matchweek 14 #SerieA pic.twitter.com/u6QUBKGcgu
— Lega Serie A (@SerieA_EN) December 2, 2024
The Giallorossi’s once-promising start to the season now feels like a distant memory. Injuries, tactical inconsistencies, and a lack of cutting-edge finishing have all contributed to their downfall. If Roma are to avoid a relegation battle, drastic improvements are needed on both ends of the pitch.
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Looking Ahead
Atalanta’s next challenge will see them aim to extend their unbeaten streak and keep the pressure on Napoli in the race for the Scudetto. Gasperini will be keen to ensure his side maintains its momentum as the fixtures come thick and fast during the winter months.
For Roma, the road ahead looks daunting. With confidence at an all-time low and fixtures against top-tier opponents looming, Mourinho faces the unenviable task of revitalizing his team. Failure to arrest their slump could result in further questions about his future at the club.
The contrasting fortunes of these two sides serve as a stark reminder of the unpredictability of Serie A. While Atalanta march forward as title contenders, Roma must dig deep to salvage their season and restore pride in the Italian capital.
