On December 2, 2024, Roma hosted Atalanta at the iconic Stadio Olimpico for a crucial Serie A fixture. While the match initially appeared evenly poised, the second half saw Atalanta demonstrate tactical superiority, clinching a 2-0 victory. The result not only underlined Atalanta’s push for the title but also highlighted Roma’s ongoing struggles this season. This article delves into the key moments and decisions that defined this encounter.
The first half of the game was a tactical battle, with both teams showing caution. As R, ranked 15th in the Serie A standings, aimed to contain Atalanta’s fluid attack. They managed to frustrate the visitors by closing spaces and maintaining a compact defensive line. Atalanta, meanwhile, focused on probing Roma’s flanks, with Juan Cuadrado and Matteo Ruggeri delivering dangerous crosses. However, neither side managed a breakthrough, and the scoreline remained goalless at halftime.
Roma’s approach in the first 45 minutes highlighted their defensive discipline, but it came at the cost of their attacking fluidity. Paulo Dybala and Andrea Belotti found themselves isolated up front, with limited service from midfielders Leandro Paredes and Bryan Cristante.
The match turned in Atalanta’s favour in the 69th minute. A well-orchestrated set-piece routine found Marten de Roon in space, allowing him to head the ball past Rui Patrício, Roma’s goalkeeper. De Roon’s goal reflected Atalanta’s ability to exploit set-piece opportunities, a strength they have honed this season.
Roma’s defensive lapses during the corner proved costly. Despite their earlier solidity, a moment of poor marking provided Atalanta the opening they needed. This goal energised Gian Piero Gasperini’s men, who began dictating the tempo of the game with greater confidence.
Former Roma player Nicolò Zaniolo, now donning Atalanta’s jersey, delivered the final blow in the 89th minute. Zaniolo, who had come on as a substitute, capitalised on a counterattack initiated by Juan Cuadrado. Cuadrado’s precision in picking out Zaniolo was matched by the latter’s composure, as he slotted the ball into the bottom corner.
The goal was particularly significant for Zaniolo, given his history with Roma. His celebration was subdued, showing respect to his former club, but the damage to Roma’s chances was already done.
Atalanta’s victory was a testament to Gian Piero Gasperini’s tactical acumen. His decision to bring on Lazar Samardzic and Nicolò Zaniolo as substitutes added dynamism to Atalanta’s attack in the latter stages. Gasperini’s high-pressing strategy in the second half stifled Roma’s attempts to play out from the back, forcing errors and capitalising on transitions.
Roma manager José Mourinho, on the other hand, struggled to adapt to Atalanta’s growing dominance. His substitutions, including the introduction of Eldor Shomurodov and Stephan El Shaarawy, failed to inject the necessary creativity or threat into Roma’s gameplay.
The match statistics underscore Atalanta’s control, particularly in the second half. They dominated possession with 56% compared to Roma’s 44%, completed more passes, and created more scoring opportunities. Atalanta also registered eight shots on target, while Roma managed just three, reflecting their struggle to breach the visitors’ defence.
Defensively, Atalanta was resolute, with Giorgio Scalvini and Berat Djimsiti effectively neutralising Roma’s attacking duo. This solid defensive foundation allowed Atalanta to commit more players forward, which was evident in their second-half performance.
This victory solidifies Atalanta’s position as serious contenders for the Serie A title. They currently sit in second place, trailing only Napoli, and their cohesive performances suggest they could mount a strong challenge in the latter half of the season.
For Roma, the defeat is a continuation of their disappointing campaign. With just a handful of wins this season, they remain precariously close to the relegation zone. The pressure is mounting on Mourinho, whose tactical rigidity and inability to inspire consistent performances have drawn criticism from fans and pundits alike.
Atalanta’s 2-0 victory over Roma was a masterclass in tactical execution and adaptability. While Roma showed glimpses of resilience in the first half, they were ultimately undone by their inability to maintain defensive concentration and their lack of attacking threat. Atalanta’s clinical finishing and strategic substitutions made the difference, further cementing their status as one of Serie A’s top teams this season.
As the season progresses, Atalanta will aim to build on this momentum, while Roma faces the daunting task of turning their fortunes around. Whether Mourinho can inspire a resurgence remains to be seen, but the clock is ticking for the Giallorossi.
__________________
We’re amazed to have you as a member of our community. Your time here means so much to us. Just to let you know, we organise workshops, seminars, and youth engagement programmes. Therefore, we indulge you to partner with us for sponsorship and other forms of social enterprise. Find other related articles on our website and follow us on Instagram @InsideSuccessNigeria for more updates.
Thank you!
