Match Report – Atalanta V AS Roma – 12th May 2025
On 13 May 2025 by GillyowlAtalanta 2 v 1 Roma
What a match! Atalanta secured their spot in the Champions League with goals from Ademola Lookman and Ibrahim Sulemana, ending Roma’s impressive 19-match unbeaten streak in Serie A. It was a real nail-biter, especially since this game was a key showdown between third place and joint-fourth. The Giallorossi had a golden opportunity to leapfrog both Lazio and Juventus, especially after Lazio’s 1-1 draw earlier in the day.
Atalanta faced some challenges with Isak Hien suspended, and several players out due to injuries—including Juan Cuadrado, Sead Kolasinac, Marco Palestra, Giorgio Scalvini, and Gianluca Scamacca. Despite that, Ademola Lookman and Odilon Kossounou stepped up, even though they weren’t at 100%. Roma, on their part, had been on a fantastic run of 19 league games unbeaten, but the season took a hit with the injuries to Lorenzo Pellegrini and Paulo Dybala. That led to a tactical shift to a 3-4-2-1 formation, with Matias Soulé playing a more advanced role, trying to keep the Giallorossi in the fight.
It’s a tough pill to swallow for Roma fans, but the team showed resilience and promise throughout. The season’s still alive, and fans can look forward to more battles ahead!
Roma always bring passion and heart to the pitch!
So, Charles De Ketelaere had a chance early on, just missing out at the back post after a flicked cross — that’s the kind of close call that keeps fans on the edge of their seats. Bryan Cristante, ever the workhorse, tested Marco Carnesecchi with a powerful shot from distance, showing his usual tenacity.
Lookman was a doubt due to an Achilles issue but still managed to score a fantastic goal, turning with his back to goal from De Ketelaere’s pass and firing home from 13 yards — a real moment of brilliance! Ederson nearly doubled the lead with a cheeky nutmeg, but unfortunately fired over the bar, and Kone’s strike was deflected just over after a slip by Kossounou. De Ketelaere also had a close-range effort that just missed, showing Roma’s persistent attacking spirit.
Atalanta had a couple of big chances, with Svilar making a great save from De Ketelaere’s shot and Retegui’s rebound going over — those moments could’ve changed the game. But Roma kept fighting, and Soulé’s clever flick found Cristante, who scored a fantastic goal from eight yards, giving Roma hope and a spark of brilliance.
Right before halftime, Roma nearly turned it around when Shomurodov beat a defender, but unfortunately, Kone’s first touch let him down — a missed opportunity that fans will hope to see converted next time.
In the second half, Roma pushed forward again. Kone’s challenge led to a penalty, but VAR overturned it — tough luck there. Sulemana then had a great shot that was blocked heroically by Rensch, showing Atalanta’s resilience.
Lookman kept Roma on their toes with some dangerous runs and shots, and at the other end, Svilar made a crucial save to keep Roma in it. The game had its bizarre moments, including a pitch invader scoring — a wild scene that everyone will remember!
Despite the loss, Roma showed fight and determination. Every game is a learning experience, and with players like Shomurodov, Cristante, and the whole squad pushing forward, Roma’s future is bright. Let’s keep supporting the Giallorossi — they always play with heart!
Man of Match was Atalanta’s Lookman.