Roma vs Atalanta
Serie A
Sunday
7th January 2024
Olimpico
The most comprehensive preview, detailed analysis and reliable predictions of the Serie A fixture between Roma and Atalanta.
Roma vs Atalanta: Preview
Roma form analysis
Despite high expectations, Roma’s league form has fluctuated as defensive frailties persist. On December 3rd, two late goals condemned Roma to a 1-2 defeat away at Sassuolo despite dominating. A week later, defensive lapses saw them surrender a lead and drop points in a 1-1 home draw with Fiorentina. Roma then suffered a chastening 2-0 home loss on December 17th against European hopefuls Bologna, undone by goals from N. Moro and a R. Kristensen own goal.
However, Roma rebounded to earn an impressive 2-0 home win over leaders Napoli on December 24th that rekindled top four hopes under Jose Mourinho. But Roma ended 2023 with a disappointing 1-0 home loss to rivals Juventus on December 31st, beaten by an opportunistic A. Rabiot goal. Overall inconsistency has plagued Roma’s campaign despite obvious quality within the squad. Eradicating individual errors and concentration lapses to build defensive solidity seems essential if Mourinho’s men are to mount a late charge for Champions League qualification during a fascinating Serie A run-in. The talent is there if they can cut out mistakes.
Atalanta form analysis
After an inconsistent first half of the campaign, Atalanta’s form has recently improved despite narrow defeats. A comprehensive 0-3 home loss to Torino on December 5th was an outlier in a run of otherwise impressive performances. Atalanta responded by beating title hopefuls AC Milan 3-2 at home four days later in a thriller settled by an injury time L. Muriel winner. They built momentum by hammering struggling Salernitana 4-1 away from home on December 19th, inspired by Muriel’s goal and assist. However, Atalanta’s defense was breached late on again during a 0-1 home loss to European contenders Bologna on December 23rd.
Atalanta ended 2023 with a narrow yet important 1-0 away win at relegation strugglers Lecce on December 30th courtesy of an A. Lookman goal. Overall, Gian Piero Gasperini has added attacking thrust to a usually sound defense, making Atalanta dangerous yet inconsistent underdogs this term. Managing games better seems pivotal to sustain top four charges. But with emerging stars ably supporting experienced creators Muriel and Lookman, anything seems possible during an intriguing Serie A run-in if Atalanta can eradicate errors.
