Atalanta eked out a mammoth 1-0 win against Roma at the Stadio Olimpico to defend their unbeaten Serie A start and stay at the summit. The pivotal moment of this mouth-watering showdown took place in the 35th minute when Giorgio Scalvini hit the net from the edge of the box.
Inspired by back-to-back wins across two competitions, Roma took the field in high spirits. After sinking Atalanta in both last season’s Serie A meetings, the Giallorossi had every reason for optimism ahead of the kick-off. However, Gian Piero Gasperini’s side held their hosts goalless despite showing significant defensive frailties.
An uneventful first half from both sides made the Olimpico crowd almost fall asleep before Scalvini’s pinpoint first-time effort from the edge of the penalty area sent travelling supporters into a wild celebration. The 18-year-old need his second senior goal from Atalanta’s first shot on target to give La Dea an all-important lead.
Roma wasted numerous opportunities to restore parity before halftime as Tammy Abraham’s woeful finishing helped Gasperini’s side hold onto a slender lead. The English striker first missed the target from point-blank range before second-choice goalkeeper Marco Sportiello denied his effort from inside the six-yard box.
Frustration in the home camp boiled over early in the second half as Jose Mourinho received a red card after lashing out at referee Daniele Chiffi. Furious about the referee’s decision not to award his side a spot-kick, the Portuguese manager stormed onto the pitch to express his frustrations. Chiffi had no other option but to send the ex-Inter boss to the stands.
Further enraged by Mourinho’s expulsion, the Olimpico faithful began urging Roma forward. Unfortunately for the home side, a lack of precision and quality in the front third came back to haunt them. Second-half substitute Eldor Shomurodov had two decent chances to draw his team level, but Sportiello didn’t have to intervene on either occasion.
While Atalanta solidified their position at the Serie A summit alongside Napoli, Roma slipped outside of the top four, leaving Mourinho will plenty to do during the international break.