Atalanta 2-1 AS Roma: De Ketelaere double fires hosts past Giallorossi

Atalanta solidified their position in the UEFA Champions League spots with a vital 2-1 victory over top-five contenders Roma, putting an end to the Giallorossi's streak of seven unbeaten away Serie A matches.

This match featured two teams with different moods after their UEFA Europa League semi-final performances on Thursday, with La Dea securing a spot in the final of Europe's secondary cup competition by defeating Marseille, while Bayer Leverkusen eliminated the Giallorossi from their continental journey.

Following their first European final qualification, the Bergamo side took the lead when Charles de Ketelaere smoothly navigated through the Roma defense and scored a precise goal past Mile Svilar.

The Belgian forward struck again to increase Atalanta's advantage just two-and-a-half minutes later, as Teun Koopmeiners set up the AC Milan loanee to score from close range against Daniel De Rossi's stunned team.

The ease with which Atalanta penetrated the vulnerable Roma defense would have been a major concern for De Rossi, especially when De Ketelaere narrowly missed with his left foot after an assist from Gianluca Scamacca.

Koopmeiners came close to scoring a third goal in a dominant first half for the hosts, but his free-kick hit the post.

Gian Piero Gasperini's team showed no signs of slowing down against their relatively slower opponents. Scammacca attempted a long-range shot that flew past the goal, eager to contribute to the team's success.

Ademola Lookman was substituted for De Ketelaere just before the 60-minute mark and came close to making an immediate impact with a narrowly wide strike.

However, Roma was given an undeserved opportunity to get back into the game when Marten de Roon was harshly judged to have fouled Tammy Abraham in the penalty box. Referee Marco Guida pointed to the spot, awarding Roma a penalty.

Lorenzo Pellegrini successfully converted the penalty, placing the ball into the bottom corner and giving De Rossi's team an unexpected lifeline.

The Roma captain attempted a long-range shot to complete a remarkable comeback, but Marco Carnesecchi easily saved the attempt.

Roma finished the game strongly, putting Atalanta under pressure. Romelu Lukaku forced Carnesecchi into another save, but despite their late rally, Atalanta held on for the victory.

De Rossi experienced his first defeat in a domestic away game as Roma manager, leaving the Giallorossi three points behind Atalanta, who had played one more game. Gasperini's side extended their unbeaten run to seven games in all competitions.