AS Roma vs Atalanta prediction: ITALY: Serie A betting tips on match 2024-01-06 19:45.
Famed for his ability to create a siege mentality, Roma boss José Mourinho is up to his old tricks again as he came out swinging against criticism of his side’s style of play. The Giallorossi rallied to come from behind in the closing stages of their Coppa Italia clash with second-tier Cremonese in midweek (W 2-1), and an angry Mourinho demanded that his side are shown “more respect.”
That was a third straight home victory for Roma across all competitions, a complete reversal to results on the road, where they have tasted success just once in their last seven attempts (D2, L4). It’s a testament to how good their form has been at the Stadio Olimpico that they remain in touch with the European places thanks to six wins from their last seven league outings there (D1), keeping four clean sheets in the process.
They may find life tough against opponents Atalanta though, who have only lost three of the last 17 H2Hs (W8, D6). The visitors are also one point above Roma in the table, aided by a run of three victories from their last four league matches (L1), which they backed up by beating Sassuolo 3-1 in the Coppa Italia on Wednesday night.
Gian Piero Gasperini’s side are in the middle of a run of five games in a little over two weeks, and the manager admits he’s concerned a busy schedule might be catching up on some of his squad. The manager will hope new signing Isak Hien can help alleviate some of that workload and potentially inspire his side as they attempt to end a run of five defeats from their last eight away league games (W2, D1), with their two wins during that period coming against sides in the bottom-four ahead of this round.
Key battle: Roma midfielder Bryan Cristante has only won one of his last six home H2Hs against former club Atalanta (D2, L3). Attempting to extend that miserable record will be Charles De Ketelaere, who has helped his team to victory in the last eight fixtures in which has scored, including bagging a brace against Sassuolo in midweek.
Hot streak: Atalanta have won all four league games in which they led at half-time this season.