Giorgio Scalvini netted the crucial goal, leading Atalanta to a bittersweet victory for Gian Piero Gasperini upon his return to Bergamo, leaving Roma without any points.
Roma created an early double chance as Paulo Dybala seized a weak back-pass from Ederson, setting up Evan Ferguson. However, one attempt was deflected by Marco Carnesecchi, and the follow-up lob was cleared off the line by Berat Djimsiti.
Atalanta found the back of the net after 12 minutes when Mile Svilar mishandled a corner, allowing Giorgio Scalvini to nudge it over the line from close range with his chest. VAR conducted a thorough review, considering both a possible foul on the goalkeeper and a potential handball. Ultimately, the decision was made to proceed without intervention, as it appeared that if anyone was obstructing the goalkeeper, it was Devyne Rensch.
Zalewski missed the target at the conclusion of a well-executed team play involving Gianluca Scamacca and Ederson, while Atalanta suffered the loss of Sead Kolasinac to a knee injury after only 26 minutes.
Scamacca turned Jan Ziolkowski, causing him to fire wide from the edge of the area. However, he found the net moments later when Bernasconi delivered a cross from the by-line on the left, allowing the Italy international a free header from six yards. Scamacca chose not to celebrate when playing against his hometown club. Nonetheless, it was ruled out following an extensive VAR review, as Scamacca was found to be offside during the build-up, despite the fact that it was Mario Hermoso’s mistake that initiated the play.
Scalvini intercepted a threatening ball from Matias Soulé that was rolled in from the right, but Manu Koné sent the rebound soaring over the goal.
Gianluca Mancini and Hermoso received bookings prior to half-time and will face suspension during Roma’s upcoming match against Lecce midweek.
Roma faced a significant chance to level the score at the start of the second half, when Evan Ferguson skillfully controlled the ball with his back to goal, flicked it up while turning, and unleashed a half-volley that prompted an impressive one-handed save from Marco Carnesecchi.
Matias Soulé challenged the goalkeeper at the near post, while Berat Djimsiti executed a crucial block on Paulo Dybala, who attempted to redirect the Wesley pull-back from six yards.
Bernasconi nearly found the net on the counter, his shot through Wesley’s legs deflecting just wide, while Nikola Krstovic headed off target from a corner.
During stoppage time, Mancini’s deft flick over the top found Dybala, yet Carnesecchi reacted swiftly, coming off his line to make the save. Svilar executed a remarkable one-handed low save to thwart Krstovic’s angled drive.
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