AS Roma kept their European ambitions alive by fighting back to secure a 1-1 draw against Atalanta B.C. in Serie A at the Stadio Olimpico, halting a streak of four consecutive defeats to La Dea.
The match, which was crucial for European qualification, began with a frenetic pace as Atalanta surged ahead within the first 12 minutes.
Mario Hermoso lost possession in his own half to Marten de Roon, who then set up Nikola Krstović. Despite being in a challenging position, the Montenegro international controlled the ball before firing it into the bottom-left corner.
Since Donyell Malen’s arrival at Roma, only Harry Kane has netted more goals in Europe’s top five leagues, and the Dutch forward had a chance to add to his tally in the first half.
First, Stephen El Shaarawy broke down the wing and perfectly set up Malen, but his shot was parried away by Marco Carnesecchi from close range.
Just ten minutes later, Carnesecchi denied Malen again, this time from a tough angle in the box.
Roma persisted in their search for an equaliser, and it came just before half-time when Devyne Rensch brilliantly headed the ball back into the danger zone for Hermoso to volley home.
Both teams had chances early in the second half. Nicolai Zalewski, who came on as a substitute, struck just wide from distance, before El Shaarawy had another effort saved by Carnesecchi at his near post.
As the Atalanta goalkeeper continued his busy evening, he thwarted Malen’s powerful shot at close range once more.
Hermoso then went close for the home side as his header was easily collected by the visiting keeper.
Ultimately, Atalanta managed to withstand the pressure and secured a point, keeping their hopes alive for European qualification.
Currently, Roma find themselves without a win in their last eight meetings against La Dea but still hold sixth place, trailing tonight’s opponents by four points.
Check out the match stats here.
Compiled by SportArena.au
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