Regardless of what the scoreline could suggest, Atalanta outclassed Roma in a precious 2-1 home win in Serie A’s top-five six-pointer. Gian Piero Gasperini’s high-performing team could’ve easily scored six or seven, but they grabbed an all-important three points, nevertheless.
Charles De Ketelaere’s first-half blitz set the tone for La Dea’s fourth consecutive victory in Serie A. The Belgian forward opened the scoring with a sumptuous solo goal, finishing off with his weaker right foot in the 18th minute. Only two minutes later, he put clear daylight between the sides.
After an impressive team play, De Ketelaere pounced on Teun Koopmeiners’ cut-back, sending the ball past Mile Svilar to make it 2-0 for Atalanta. The hosts could’ve decided the match already in the first half. Koopmeiners’ well-driven shot from a free kick rattled off the post, while Mario Pasalic wasted another clear-cut chance.
An array of misses could’ve backfired on Atalanta. Marten de Roon gave away a silly penalty as Lorenzo Pellegrini embraced the gift to cut Roma’s deficit in half. However, Daniele De Rossi’s side failed to complete the comeback, with the Bergamo outfit opening up a three-point buffer in fifth.
Let’s look at our Atalanta ratings.
Atalanta (3-4-2-1)
Marco Carnesecchi – 7.5
Not only did he come inches away from thwarting Pellegrini’s spot-kick, but the Atalanta keeper pulled off a crucial diving save to deny the Roma captain at 2-1.
Isak Hien – 7
Physical battles against Romelu Lukaku are arguably the toughest test in Serie A, but the ex-Hellas Verona defender passed it with flying colors. His interception led to De Ketelaere’s second.
Berat Djimsiti – 7.5
If anyone wondered why Gasperini started him over Giorgio Scalvini, here’s an answer. He bossed Tammy Abraham and won virtually every aerial duel against Lukaku.
Marten de Roon – 6.5
Perhaps the weakest link in Atalanta’s backline tonight, the captain committed a mindless penalty and often struggled to cope with Lukaku’s strength and pace.
Hans Hateboer – 7
His presence on the right was instrumental as he pushed forward on every occasion and combined well with De Ketelaere in the first half before dropping deep in the second half to help in defense.
Ederson – 7.5
Several Roma players were on the receiving end of the Brazilian ‘Samba dance’ tonight. In one of his best showings in 2024, Ederson made the visiting midfield look like a second-tier bunch.
Mario Pasalic – 7.5
Despite failing to convert two promising chances, the Croatian star was superb, never losing sight of his defensive duties while constantly locomoting through the enemy lines in attack.
Matteo Ruggeri – 6
Though he wasn’t as active as Hatebeor, the Italian did his defensive work to a ‘T.’
Teun Koopmeiners – 7.5
It’s a shame his thumping free-kick didn’t end in the back of the net. It would’ve been a fitting reward for the Dutchman’s midfield masterclass. He got an assist, though.
Charles De Ketelaere – 8 *MOTM*
Where was this guy at Milan last season? It’s the first thing that springs to mind after reviewing the Belgian’s sterling performance against Roma’s sturdy backline. What a game!
Gianluca Scamacca – 7
You won’t see his name on the board, but the robust striker was exceptional and nearly scored a stunner early in the second half.
Substitutes
Ademola Lookman – 7.5
El Bilal Toure – 7
Davide Zappacosta – 6.5
Giorgio Scalvini – 6.5
Aleksey Miranchuk – N/A
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