Atalanta BC will welcome a familiar face back to Bergamo as under the helm of former club legend Gian Piero Gasperini, they prepare to face AS Roma in a pivotal Serie A clash this Saturday. This match marks Gasperini’s return to the club where he achieved significant success, including leading Atalanta to lift the Europa League trophy in 2024 during his nine-season tenure.
Gasperini, now head coach of Roma, has an impressive record against Atalanta, having lost only four of his 14 encounters with the club. His team, however, has hit a rough patch, collecting just three points from their last four league matches before the holiday season, hindering their ambitions to secure a top-four finish and a coveted spot in the Champions League.
Despite the recent setbacks, Roma showcased their resilience by defeating Genoa just days ago, with a strong performance that featured goals from Matias Soule, Manu Kone, and Evan Ferguson. This victory places them within striking distance of the league’s top position, bolstered by the best defensive record in Serie A, conceding only 11 goals in 17 matches.
Historically, Roma has struggled in their visits to Atalanta, losing their last three encounters there and winning only once in the past seven meetings. Atalanta has averaged over two goals per game against Roma during this stretch. The home team aims to extend their dominance over Roma, and they have a chance to achieve four consecutive league wins over the capital club for the first time.
Entering this match, Atalanta’s form has fluctuated, as they recently parted ways with Gasperini’s successor, Ivan Juric, and welcomed new coach Raffaele Palladino. While the team has shown flashes of promise, including a recent victory against Chelsea, their overall form this season has dipped, with a disappointing record against top-half teams. They will be looking to change that against Roma.
In terms of team news, Atalanta will be without Nigerian forward Ademola Lookman and Ivorian defender Odilon Kossounou, both currently participating in the Africa Cup of Nations, along with injured wing-back Raoul Bellanova. Roma also faces absences, notably missing midfielder Neil El Aynaoui and centre-back Evan Ndicka due to international duty, along with Lorenzo Pellegrini who is sidelined due to injury.
With both teams needing points to secure their ambitions, the match promises to be a tactical battle. Expect a low-scoring affair as both sides look to tighten their defenses.
As the new year commences, fans can expect a thrilling contest filled with high stakes and tactical nuances, setting the stage for an exciting series of matchups in the Serie A season ahead.