The Stadio Olimpico is set to host a captivating Serie A encounter on Monday evening as struggling Roma welcome high-flying Atalanta. The contrast in form between the two sides couldn’t be starker, with Roma winless in their last five matches across all competitions, while Atalanta ride the wave of a seven-game winning streak in Serie A.
The Giallorossi find themselves in unfamiliar territory, languishing in the bottom half of the Serie A table after their worst start to a season this century. New manager Claudio Ranieri, brought out of retirement to steady the ship, has yet to see an upturn in fortunes. Roma’s recent 1-0 defeat to Napoli, courtesy of a goal from former striker Romelu Lukaku, exemplified their current predicament.
However, there was a glimmer of hope in their midweek Europa League encounter with Tottenham Hotspur. A last-gasp equalizer from Mats Hummels secured a 2-2 draw, potentially breathing new life into their European campaign.
In stark contrast, Atalanta are living their best life under the guidance of Gian Piero Gasperini. The Bergamo-based club sits just one point behind league leaders Napoli, boasting their best-ever start to a Serie A season with 28 points from 13 matches.
La Dea’s recent form has been nothing short of sensational. A 3-1 victory over Parma last weekend was followed by a stunning 6-1 demolition of Young Boys in the Champions League, with Charles De Ketelaere orchestrating a masterclass performance.
For Roma, the return of captain Lorenzo Pellegrini could provide a much-needed boost in midfield. The creative trio of Paulo Dybala, Stephan El Shaarawy, and Artem Dovbyk will be crucial in breaking down Atalanta’s resolute defense.
Atalanta’s attack is spearheaded by the prolific Mateo Retegui, who has already netted 12 goals this season – a club record at this stage. The supporting cast of De Ketelaere and Ademola Lookman makes for a formidable offensive unit.
Team News
Roma will be without the suspended Niccolo Pisilli, while Mario Hermoso and Eldor Shomurodov remain sidelined. Alexis Saelemaekers could feature after returning from injury.
Atalanta manager Gasperini will serve a touchline ban, while Gianluca Scamacca and Davide Zappacosta are unavailable. Former Roma player Nicolo Zaniolo could make an appearance against his old club.
Expected Starting XIs
Roma: Svilar; Mancini, Hummels, Ndicka; Celik, Kone, Pellegrini, Angelino; Dybala, El Shaarawy; Dovbyk
Atalanta: Carnesecchi; Djimsiti, Hien, Kolasinac; Bellanova, Ederson, De Roon, Ruggeri; De Ketelaere, Lookman; Retegui
Match Prediction
Given the contrasting form of both teams, Atalanta will enter the match as favorites. However, Roma’s quality and the potential “new manager bounce” under Ranieri cannot be discounted. This clash has all the ingredients for an enthralling encounter, with goals likely at both ends.
Prediction: Roma 1-2 Atalanta
