Atalanta BC - AS Roma predictions and free betting tips [12/05/2024]

On Sunday, 12th May within the 36th round of the Italian Serie A, "Atalanta" will host "Roma" on its ground. In the past week, the Bergamaschi made it to their first ever European Cup final, while the Giallorossi succumbed to the Leverkusen's "Bayer".

Atalanta

Aiming to return to the Champions League, "Atalanta" currently sits fifth in Serie A and, with a game in hand, has amassed as many points as the trailing "Roma". Therefore, La Dea's destiny lies in their own hands, but Gasperini's charges have no room for error. The team lost only one out of their last seven matches in the championship, winning four times and drawing twice. So, the hosts overcame "Monza" (1:2), "Empoli" (2:0) and "Salernitana" last Monday (1:2). The blue-and-white's demolished "Marseille" in the Europa League semi-final (3:0) and will meet Leverkusen's "Bayer" in late May. Ademola Lukman took the Italians ahead on the 30th-minute of the match and Matteo Rudiger, as well as substitute El Bilal Toure, finished off the dockers.

Moreover, this week "Atalanta" will clash with "Juventus" in the country's Cup final. The hosts' defence will be weakened by injuries to Kolasinac and centre back Holm. Tolo, a substitute, has also failed to recover after the injury. Otherwise, there is no squad deficit, although Gian Piero Gasperini might need to rotate the team ahead of the Cup final. Kopmeiners (12 goals and 4 assists), De Ketelaere (7 goals and 6 assists), and Scamacca (10 goals and 4 assists) might get some rest, while the expected starters include Nigerian Lukman (9 goals and 6 assists), Miranchuk (3 goals and 4 assists), and Toure (2 goals in the last 4 matches). Mario Pasalic and Giorgio Scalvini are expected to see playing time and will be positioned in the connecting zone and the centre of defence, respectively.

Roma

"Roma", occupying sixth place in the Serie A table and possessing as many points as the upcoming opponent, must win no matter what to secure their Champions League chances. The Wolves gained great momentum after they appointed Daniele De Rossi as head coach in January, yet recently they have lost precious points, with their only victory in their last four rounds and two draws and one defeat. Therefore, the guests ended level with "Napoli" (2:2) and "Juventus" last weekend (1:1). On Thursday, "Roma" was close to causing an upset in Leverkusen, where they almost recovered from a two-goal deficit after a misfire in the first half of the Europa League semi-final: Paredes' penalty double took the yellow-orange ahead, but the Pharmacists balanced the scoreboard in the end.

Consequently, the Romans go to Lombardy undefeated in their last seven Serie A away matches since De Rossi took over as coach. Spinazzola will not be available this weekend due to injury: he was injured in the Europa League and was substituted on the 20th minute. Otherwise, the coaching staff can count on the optimal squad. The attack will likely be led by Dybala (13 goals and 9 assists) and Lukaku (12 goals and 3 assists), though the former stayed on the bench against "Bayer". Paredes scored two penalties in Leverkusen and should again partner with midfielders Cristante and Pellegrini (7 goals and 3 assists), whilst in defence, we’ll surely see the duo of Ndika-Mancini; Celik and Angelino are expected to play on the wings.

Head-to-Head

In Bergamo, "Roma" suffered three losses in their last four matches, as many as in the previous eleven. The first-leg duel of the current season ended in a 1:1 draw.

Match Prediction: Atalanta -Roma

"Atalanta" often loses to the top six Serie A teams, while "Roma" seldom showcases their best qualities away from home. After the intense Europa League semi-finals, both teams will be emotionally and physically tired, hence there is a strong case for a draw (as happened in the first leg).