Roma – Atalanta

Atalanta will take advantage of Roma’s fatigue

Playing on two fronts is not good for Roma. The team cannot produce consistent results, although two defeats were followed by two wins. In the last leg, Roma face Empoli. Although José Mourinho's side picked up three points, the scoreline was 1-2 and, indeed, the game itself cannot be described as confident. The team played in the Europa League on Thursday. After a bizarre defeat at the hands of Ludogorets, the Djalorossi got an ultra-confident win over HJK. The game was largely decided as early as the 14th minute, when a player from the Finnish club got a straight red card. Yes, it made the task easier for Roma. But we should not forget that the team have been on a three or four match schedule for almost a month now. Any encounter (even if it ends in a 3-0 defeat) takes its toll. Atalanta have no problem with that. The team failed to qualify for the European competitions, which makes their task in the league easier. The Bergamo side enjoyed smooth sailing right up until the final matchday. Gian Piero Gasperini's side, after three wins in a row, shared the points with the then penultimate team in the championship, Cremonese. Not that their opponents were blatantly weak, but the Goddess were obliged to take three points from their opponents. However, their 14 points after six rounds is the best result in Serie A in Bergamo's history. Roma clearly lack stability. Their typical margin of victory suggests that a potentially striking attacking unit is not performing at its full potential. And the fact that the Giallorossi play a very tight schedule clearly does not add to their stability. Atalanta, although not as brilliant, the lack of European competitions is a plus for the team at this stage. The Bergamas' excellent start is yet another reason to say that the team are squeezing the maximum out of their calendar. Against a tired opponent, Gian Piero Gasperini's charges will clearly not look any worse. Atalanta should take the points in this match.