Roma and Atalanta shared the spoils in a derby of two halves as Sunday’s Serie A top-six six-pointer at the Stadio Olimpico ended 1-1. After an enthralling first half packed with chances on both ends, the second 45 minutes produced nothing noteworthy.
Atalanta took the lead early on as Teun Koopmeiners outjumped his marker to get his towering head on the end of Aleksey Miranchuk’s delightful cross. Keen to get back in the game as quickly as possible, Roma created several promising chances but failed to find the net.
Jose Mourinho’s side needed a penalty to level the score. Rick Karsdorp went down inside the box, with referee Gianluca Aureliano pointing to the spot after consulting with the side-pitch monitor. Paulo Dybala showed no mercy from the spot, sending Marco Carnesecchi the wrong way to draw Roma level.
However, chances were at a premium after the break. Frustration boiled over in stoppages as Mourinho received another red card for insulting the referee. In the end, Roma had to settle for a point that demoted them to eighth place in the standings.
Roma (3-5-2)
Rui Patricio – 6.5
Not overly troubled despite Atalanta’s constant presence around Roma’s penalty area. There was nothing he could’ve done to save Koopmeiners’ thunderous header.
Gianluca Mancini – 6.5
Despite having some shaky moments, especially in the opening half an hour, the Italian defender grew into the contest as the game progressed.
Diego Llorente – 6
Whether it was an injury or fatigue, the Spaniard played arguably his weakest half of football in the Roma shirt before Mourinho withdrew him at halftime.
Rasmus Kristensen – 6.5
Deployed at the heart of the backline for the first time, Kristensen delivered an impressive performance after a relatively slow start.
Rick Karsdorp – 7
In addition to drawing a crucial first-half penalty, the Dutchman was aggressive on and off the ball, attacking spaces with purpose while defending with authority.
Lorenzo Pellegrini – 6
It’s like he’s already in Saudi Arabia in his head. The Roma captain failed to gain a foothold in the game, often lacking determination and creativity in dangerous areas.
Bryan Cristante – 6
Mourinho will be happy with the Roma stalwart’s commitment and defensive contribution. However, his readiness to sacrifice for the team took its toll on the other side of the pitch, where he was invisible.
Edoardo Bove – 6.5
Not afraid to get his hands dirty when asked to defend, the youngster was remarkable at the back. Unlike Cristante, he was willing to venture forward and participate in Roma attacks.
Nicola Zalewski – 6.5
His proactive approach in the first half created numerous problems for Atalanta’s defense. He often found himself in promising positions but failed to capitalize on any.
Paulo Dybala – 7.5
Roma are a different team with the Argentine wizard in the starting lineup. He was the beating heart of every meaningful attack the home side produced tonight and converted a penalty as a fitting reward for his outrageous display.
Romelu Lukaku – 6.5
Despite failing to score, the robust striker won numerous aerial duels against his markers and established himself as a focal point in Roma’s bid to get an elusive winner. However, he could’ve and should’ve done better in the 80th minute.
Substitutes
Dean Huijsen – 7
Leonardo Spinazzola – 6.5
Zeki Celik – 6
Leandro Paredes – 5.5
Stephan El Shaarawy – 6
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