Will this high-intensity clash lack goals?
The Italian championship may be decided. The two clubs in our AS Roma vs. Atalanta Bergamo tip had little to do with that anyway. Behind them, however, the battle for European spots has only just begun.
Napoli (66) and AC Milan (63) should be able to count on a spot in the Champions League. From fourth place onward, however, things get exciting. Only Juventus (60) and Como (58) rank ahead of the two opponents in our AS Roma (57) vs. Atalanta Bergamo (53) prediction.
As expected following the hiring of Gian Piero Gasperini, the hosts are playing an aggressive man-to-man pressing game this season. With success: Along with Atalanta, the 68-year-old’s former employer, the capital club boasts the third-best defense in Serie A (28 goals conceded each).
Furthermore, their man-oriented defending works extremely well across the entire field, especially with the support of the home crowd. At home, the Giallorossi have conceded the fewest goals in the league (9).
However, their attacking play still suffers too much from these defensive requirements. Seven league rivals have generated more expected goals overall than Gasperini’s squad (42.36 xG).
AS Roma – Atalanta Bergamo Head-to-Head Record
Gian Piero Gasperini returned to his former stomping grounds for the first time in the first half of the season. Dissatisfied with the 0-1 loss suffered there, the experienced coach returned to the Italian capital. There, the 68-year-old aims to end his new club’s four-game losing streak against the Bergamo side.
The Wolves didn’t offer much as visitors in Bergamo. In the end, Atalanta settled for a 1-0 victory, scored off a corner kick. La Dea needed no more than two shots on the Roma goal to secure the win. There likely won’t be many more scoring chances in this rematch.
AS Roma – Atalanta Bergamo Prediction
The start of this match is crucial. Roma has scored the first goal in 20 of the 32 matchdays played so far this season. Once the sixth-place team takes the lead, it is extremely difficult to overcome the highly self-sacrificing defense of Gasperini’s squad.
The same generally applies to the visitors since Raffaele Palladino took over. The Champions League defeats against Bayern have been more of an exception and have simultaneously underscored that the style of play is set in stone. Whoever executes it better wins.
Both opponents are equally adept at executing man-marking defense. An intense clash is on the horizon, in which we see the home side holding a slight advantage. AS Roma is unbeaten in nine league home games and is looking to avenge their first-leg defeat.
