Roma Player Ratings vs Atalanta: Giallorossi Outclassed by Mighty Goddess

Slow to recover from midweek Europa League exit, Roma slumped to a detrimental 2-1 defeat to fellow Serie A top-five rivals Atalanta. Daniele De Rossi can be happy to return home with a minimal loss, given the number of chances La Dea created at the Gewiss Stadium.

Writings were on the wall in the 20th minute as Charles De Ketelaere’s quick-fire brace gave Roma a mountain to climb. Atalanta ripped Roma apart on either side of halftime, but a lack of finishing and Mile Svilar’s impressive saves kept Giallorossi alive until the final seconds.

Roma punished Atalanta’s profligacy midway through the second half as Lorenzo Pellegrini put away a penalty after Marten de Roon brought Tammy Abraham to the ground. The Italy international had the visitors’ best chance to salvage a draw, but Marco Carnesecchi denied his half-volley with a superb save.

In the end, Roma left Bergamo defeated but not humiliated, largely thanks to Atalanta’s inexplicable misses. However, this loss might have doused the last ember of optimism that Giallorossi could qualify for next season’s Champions League. 

De Rossi’s charges now trail fifth-placed Atalanta by three points. With only two rounds left and La Dea having a game in hand, a top-five finish seems like a lost cause for Roma as we look at the Giallorossi ratings. 

Roma (4-3-3)

Mile Svilar – 7.5

Despite conceding twice in the opening 20 minutes, the Serbian goalkeeper was the only reason Roma avoided an utter humbling tonight.

Angelino – 5.5

Hans Hateboer and De Ketelaere made his life a nightmare. The diminutive left-back was on the back foot against his rivals the whole game.

Evan Ndicka – 4

De Rossi’s decision to play him ahead of Diego Llorente was probably a mistake, given his recent health issues. Atalanta’s lightning-quick attacks left him breathless.

Gianluca Mancini – 3.5

He’s still searching for De Ketealere in the build-up to La Dea’s opener. He can’t forget this evening soon enough!

Rasmus Kristensen – 4.5

An anemic performance from the Dane, as defending against Teun Koopmeiners and Mario Pasalic was like chasing shadows for the Leicester City loanee.

Bryan Cristante – 4

It’s unfathomable how De Rossi keeps putting him in his starting XI! Only the referee’s good grace helped him finish another toothless appearance without a booking.

Leandro Paredes – 3.5

His halftime withdrawal perhaps best summarizes the first half he had! Even the energy he got Roma fans used to was missing, while he didn’t exist in the build-up.

Lorenzo Pellegrini – 6.5

You have to feel sorry for the Roma captain. Apart from the goal, he was the only player in the visiting camp to show skills on the ball. But he couldn’t do it by himself.

Tommaso Baldanzi – 3

Ineffective would be a kind description for the youngster’s clueless showing as De Rossi left him in the dressing room at the break for a good reason.

Stephan El Shaarawy – 5.5

Despite trying to combine with Pellegrini and drive Roma forward, the versatile winger often couldn’t get along with the ball.

Romelu Lukaku – 6

It’s always frustrating for a striker to be left on an island without any support from the midfield. That was the case with the Belgian this evening.

Substitutes 

Tammy Abraham – 6.5

Edoardo Bove – 6

Sardar Azmoun – N/A

Joao Costa – N/A