Atalanta edged past AS Roma with a 2-1 victory in a high-stakes Serie A Round 36 clash at the Gewiss Stadium in Bergamo. With both teams chasing European qualification, the match had all the intensity and drama expected of a late-season showdown, and Gian Piero Gasperini’s men rose to the occasion.
The hosts came out with intent, pressing high and maintaining control of possession early on. Their aggressive start paid dividends in the 9th minute when Ademola Lookman opened the scoring. The Nigerian forward picked up the ball just outside the area and curled a precise low shot past Roma goalkeeper Mile Svilar, sending the home crowd into celebration.
Roma, under Claudio Raneieri, responded well. Bryan Cristante and Kouadio Kone orchestrated the midfield, probing Atalanta’s defense with clever movement and crisp passing. Their equalizer came in the 32nd minute from a corner. Mataias Soule delivered an inch-perfect cross into the box where Bryan Cristante rose highest to head home, leveling the score at 1-1.
The second half saw a more open game, with both sides aware of the stakes. Atalanta regained momentum, using their width effectively. In the 65th minute, a miscommunication in Roma’s defense gifted the ball to Ibrahim Sulemana, who calmly slotted the ball into the bottom corner to restore Atalanta’s lead.
Roma increased the pressure in the final 20 minutes, pushing for another equalizer. Lorenzo Artem Dovbyk came closest, rattling the crossbar with a long-range effort, while Shomurodov and Soule continued to threaten. However, Atalanta’s backline, marshaled by Berat Djimsiti and De Roon, remained disciplined under pressure.
Marco Carnesecchi, Atalanta’s young goalkeeper, played a crucial role late in the match, making key saves to preserve the lead. As the final whistle blew, Atalanta secured a vital three points that propelled them above Roma in the standings and kept their Champions League hopes alive.
The result leaves Roma with work to do in the final two games of the season, while Atalanta look increasingly confident in their push for a top-four finish. The match highlighted Atalanta’s tactical cohesion and resilience, and once again underlined their status as one of Italy’s most consistent performers on the big stage.
