Atalanta v AS Roma – Preview, Predictions and Best Bets

Atalanta host Roma in the Serie A on Sunday. The clubs suffered differing fortunes in the Europa League on Thursday as the Bergamo club reached the final and AS Roma were eliminated. This match pits fifth against sixth in a battle for a Champions League spot.

Atalanta Form

Atalanta had a tough period not long ago with just two wins in nine matches. A resounding 3-0 win at Anfield against Liverpool came after that. They lost 1-0 in the second leg but progressed to the Europa League semi-finals. It’s five wins in six matches since then.

They won 2-1 at Monza in Serie A and 4-1 at home to Fiorentina to reach the Coppa Italia final. A 2-0 home win vs Empoli preceded a first-leg 1-1 draw at Marseille in the Europa League semi-finals. They won 2-1 at Salernitana last weekend before a 3-0-win vs Marseille on Thursday to reach another cup final.

Atalanta Team News

Coach Gian Piero Gasperini has three injuries for this match and they’re all in defence. Right wingback Emil Holm and centre back Rafael Toloi are ruled out. The versatile Sead Kolasinac is also expected to play no part.

The XI could be freshened up a bit after playing on Thursday. Mario Pasalic is pushing for a start in midfield and young defender Giorgio Scalvini is an option at the back. Veteran captain Marten de Roon could move from centre back into midfield.

Atalanta Motivation

Gasperini’s side have attacking thrust but they’re also capable of winning with low possession numbers.

With fifth spot looking like an extra Champions League spot in Serie A, this is a crucial match for Atalanta to avoid a defeat at least.

Roma Form

Roma’s last six fixtures have seen just one win. De Rossi had overseen a run of one loss in 12 after taking over with some big wins in that streak. They beat Brighton 4-0 at home, won 1-0 at Lazio in the Rome Derby and beat AC Milan home and away in the Europa League quarter-finals.

In the league, they lost 3-1 at home to Bologna and then nicked a late winner vs Udinese. They drew at Napoli before losing 2-0 at home to Leverkusen. After drawing 1-1 with Juventus in the league, they could not win in Germany and ended up drawing 2-2 in the final minute vs Leverkusen to exit the Europa League after allowing 32 shots.

Roma Team News

Paulo Dybala is doubtful after playing no minutes vs Leverkusen due to a groin injury. Roma Leonardo Spinazzola is set to miss out after only last 20 minutes in Germany. Nicola Zalewski could take his place, or De Rossi could switch to a back four.

If a back three is used, then Chris Smalling will hope to be recalled to the XI. Tammy Abraham may be considered for a start alongside Romelu Lukaku in this match should a 3-5-2 be favoured.

Roma Motivation

Roma knows that finishing fifth is now their only route to Champions League football. They are behind Atalanta on goal difference but having played one more match.

This fixture is a must-win to have a chance of a top five finish. De Rossi will throw on extra forwards if the scores are level with 20 minutes to go.

Key Stats

Atalanta have won 5 of their last 6 matches

Atalanta’s Gianluca Scamacca has scored 10 goals in his last 14 matches

Atalanta have won 2 of their last 3 home matches vs Roma (all 3 had both teams scoring)

Roma have just 1 win in their last 6 fixtures

Roma are without a clean sheet in 7 matches

Roma’s Lukaku has 20 goals this season (2 in 2 in Serie A)

Verdict

On current form, Atalanta are favoured here. We should see goals for both sides and a score draw could be outstanding value. Scamacca and Lukaku are ones to watch in this clash.

Best Bet: Both Teams to Score at 1.64

High value Bet: Draw at 3.50

Anytime goalscorers: Lukaku (3.40) and Scamacca (2.75) to both score anytime at 8.26

James O'Connor

James is a football analyst who writes about the tactics of the PSL and English Premier League. He holds the UEFA A coaching licence and has previously worked for several clubs in analysis roles.Twitter: https://twitter.com/footy_analysis