AS Roma v Atalanta – Preview, Predictions and Best Bets

Roma host Atalanta in Serie A on Sunday, with the home side struggling in 12th place and recently appointing Claudio Ranieri as their new coach. Atalanta, on the other hand, are just one point off the top of the table and boast an incredible 34 goals in 13 Serie A matches this season.

Roma Form

Roma have endured a turbulent season, sacking two coaches already. Ivan Juric was dismissed after a poor run of five losses in nine matches, including a humiliating 5-1 defeat away to Fiorentina. A narrow 1-0 home win over Torino was followed by a 3-2 loss at struggling Hellas Verona.

Juric’s tenure ended after a 3-2 home defeat to Bologna, following a 1-1 draw at Royal Union Saint-Gilloise in the Europa League. Claudio Ranieri’s debut match as Roma coach ended in a 1-0 defeat at Napoli, where his side managed just 37% possession. Roma will face Tottenham in the Europa League on Thursday before hosting Atalanta.

Roma Team News

Claudio Ranieri is likely to rotate his squad for the Europa League game on Thursday. Center-back Mario Hermoso is battling a medium-term injury, but Mats Hummels is fit again and available in defense.

Paulo Dybala, who featured briefly against Napoli, could start this match. Winger Alexis Saelemaekers is nearing a return but remains doubtful, while striker Eldor Shomurodov is unavailable for this fixture.

Roma Motivation

Roma are desperate for league points and will aim to win, though Ranieri’s strategy may prioritize defensive solidity. Atalanta are expected to dominate possession, leaving Roma with limited opportunities to control the game, likely holding around 35% possession.

Atalanta Form

After losing three of their first six Serie A matches, Atalanta have gone on a 12-match unbeaten run, scoring goals at will. Their recent league performances include a 5-1 demolition of Genoa, a 6-1 thrashing of Verona, and a crucial 3-0 victory over title rivals Napoli.

In addition to league success, Atalanta won 2-0 at Stuttgart in the Champions League and defeated Udinese 2-1 in Serie A. Last weekend, they secured a 3-1 victory at Parma, followed by a dominant 6-1 win against Young Boys in the Champions League, where they registered 18 shots.

Atalanta Team News

Coach Gian Piero Gasperini made five changes midweek against Young Boys and has some selection dilemmas for this match. Veteran captain Rafael Toloi is set to return at left-back.

Charles De Ketelaere, who scored twice in midweek, will hope to keep his place alongside Mateo Retegui. Striker Gianluca Scamacca is sidelined with a long-term injury, while wingback Davide Zappacosta is also unavailable.

Atalanta Motivation

Atalanta will stick to their trademark attacking approach, throwing bodies forward to overwhelm Roma. While a draw isn’t catastrophic in the title race, Gasperini’s side will push hard for all three points.

Key Stats

Roma have won just 4 of their last 17 matches.

Roma have lost 6 of their 13 Serie A matches this season.

Atalanta have won 10 of their last 12 matches, scoring 35 goals in the process.

Atalanta have scored 34 goals in 13 Serie A matches this season (most in the league).

Atalanta’s Mateo Retegui has netted 12 goals in 11 league matches this term.

Verdict

Despite Claudio Ranieri’s experience, Roma are unlikely to halt Atalanta’s impressive form. An away win looks highly probable, with Mateo Retegui continuing his scoring streak.

Best Bet: Atalanta win at 2.30

Value Bet: Atalanta win and Over 2.5 goals at 3.70

Goalscorer Tip: Mateo Retegui to score anytime at 2.40