A second-half objective by substitute Ibrahim Sulemana earned Atalanta a 2-1 residence win over AS Roma in Serie A on Monday, securing Champions League qualification for Gian Piero Gasperini’s aspect.
Sulemana sealed the three factors for Atalanta within the 76th minute, scoring with a low strike from simply exterior the realm, after Roma midfielder Bryan Cristante cancelled out an early opener by Ademola Lookman.
Atalanta, who fell behind within the title race, sit third within the standings on 71 factors and have a seven-point cushion over fourth-placed Juventus and Lazio in fifth with two video games left to play.
Roma, who didn’t capitalise on Lazio and Juventus dropping factors in a 1-1 stalemate on Saturday, are sixth with 63 factors.
Atalanta snapped the guests’ spectacular unbeaten league run of 19 video games, with Claudio Ranieri’s aspect beforehand having been defeated mid-December at Como.
Things began off brightly for Atalanta as Lookman stroked in previous Roma goalkeeper Mile Svilar to place them in entrance after 9 minutes.
Charles De Ketelaere dribbled previous the Roma defence to set the Nigerian up with a exact low cross contained in the field and the striker managed the ball to attain inside the appropriate publish.
It was Atalanta’s one hundredth objective this season throughout all competitions.
De Ketelaere had two good probabilities to double the benefit however Roma midfielder Cristante levelled for the guests as an alternative, netting with a flicked header after the half-hour mark.
Things slowed down considerably after a energetic first half till Roma had been awarded a penalty after an hour of play, following a conflict between Atalanta’s Mario Pasalic and Manu Kone.
The referee, nevertheless, overturned his choice after consulting VAR.
Sulemana finally restored the lead for Atalanta within the 76th minute, scoring with a low strike from simply exterior the realm — a objective that stood after a VAR test for a possible offside.
Roma host AC Milan subsequent weekend earlier than visiting mid-table Torino of their bid to qualify for Europe’s elite membership competitors for the primary time for the reason that 2018-19 marketing campaign.
Atalanta journey to Genoa on Sunday earlier than welcoming lowly Parma of their closing fixture.
Source: www.anews.com.tr