Serie A returns with stalemate between Roma, Atalanta

AS Roma and Atalanta played to an engaging 1-1 draw in their Serie A clash on Sunday, marking the Giallorossi’s inaugural league match of 2024. This outcome underscores Roma’s struggle against Gian Piero Gasperini’s Atalanta, with only three victories in their last 18 encounters.

Seeking to rebound from a disappointing conclusion to 2023, where they succumbed 1-0 to Juventus in the final league fixture, Roma found themselves trailing early. Teun Koopmeiners of Atalanta leaped above Rick Karsdorp to head in Aleksei Miranchuk’s cross in the 8th minute.

The first half witnessed both teams with ample opportunities to augment the scoreline. Paulo Dybala for Roma squandered a gilt-edged chance, while Atalanta’s Charles De Ketelaere elicited a commendable save from Rui Patricio. However, Roma managed to equalize before halftime as Dybala converted a penalty following a VAR review.

The second half failed to match the intensity of the first, with neither side breaking the deadlock. Although Gianluca Scamacca’s apparent goal for Atalanta was disallowed due to a foul in the build-up. In the game’s waning moments, Roma’s manager, Jose Mourinho, received a straight red card for vehemently protesting against officials after a foul on Romelu Lukaku.