De Ketelaere’s Deadly Double Propels Atalanta to Crucial Victory Over Top-Five Rivals Roma

Atalanta solidified their place in the UEFA Champions League spots with a vital 2-1 win against top-five contenders Roma, halting the Giallorossi’s seven-match unbeaten away run in Serie A. This match featured two teams with contrasting post-Europa League semi-final emotions: La Dea celebrated their progression to the final with a win over Marseille, while Roma’s European journey was cut short by Bayer Leverkusen.

Buoyed by reaching their first European final, Atalanta opened the scoring when Charles de Ketelaere deftly navigated Roma’s defense and expertly finished past Mile Svilar.

The Belgian netted again just two-and-a-half minutes later, capitalizing on a perfect assist from Teun Koopmeiners to slot the ball home from close range, leaving Daniel De Rossi’s side reeling.

Atalanta’s ease in penetrating Roma’s fragile defense was alarming for De Rossi, as De Ketelaere narrowly missed a left-footed shot after being set up by Gianluca Scamacca.

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Koopmeiners nearly added a third in a dominant first half for the hosts, his free-kick striking the post.

Gian Piero Gasperini’s squad maintained their intensity against their slower-paced opponents, with Scamacca attempting a speculative long-range shot that sailed past the post.

Ademola Lookman replaced De Ketelaere just before the hour mark and almost made an immediate impact with a narrowly missed shot.

Roma found an undeserved lifeline when Marten de Roon was controversially judged to have fouled Tammy Abraham in the box, leading referee Marco Guida to award a penalty.

Lorenzo Pellegrini converted the penalty into the bottom corner, offering De Rossi’s side a glimmer of hope.

Pellegrini sought to complete a stunning comeback with a long-range shot, but Marco Carnesecchi comfortably saved the effort.

Roma finished strongly, putting Atalanta under pressure as Romelu Lukaku forced another save from Carnesecchi. Despite their late surge, La Dea held on for the victory.

De Rossi experienced his first domestic away defeat as Roma manager, leaving the Giallorossi three points behind Atalanta, having played one more game than Gasperini’s team, who extended their unbeaten streak to seven games across all competitions.