As the Serie A season reaches its dramatic climax, two of Italy’s most in-form teams are set to collide in a high-stakes encounter that could define their European aspirations. On Monday evening, Atalanta BC will welcome Roma to the Gewiss Stadium in Bergamo, with both sides locked in a fierce battle for a coveted top-four finish. While Atalanta currently hold the advantage in third place, Roma’s remarkable resurgence under interim manager Claudio Ranieri has injected fresh intrigue into the race for Champions League qualification. With just three matches remaining, every point is precious, and neither side can afford to falter at this critical juncture.
Atalanta enter this pivotal fixture in a strong position, having reasserted their dominance with a commanding 4-0 victory over bottom-placed Monza last time out. That result not only extended their cushion over fifth-placed Juventus to five points but also served as a timely reminder of their attacking prowess. Charles De Ketelaere, who had endured a prolonged goal drought, finally found the back of the net, offering a much-needed boost ahead of this crucial run-in. Meanwhile, Ademola Lookman—widely expected to depart the club in the summer—also got on the scoresheet, reinforcing his importance to Gian Piero Gasperini’s system.
Despite a mid-season dip in form that effectively ended their faint Scudetto hopes, Atalanta have been one of Serie A’s most prolific sides this campaign. Their recent victory over Monza took their total goal tally across all competitions to an impressive 99, putting them on the verge of reaching triple figures for only the fifth time in their history—a feat they have exclusively achieved in the past six years. This remarkable consistency in front of goal underscores the transformative impact Gasperini has had since taking charge in 2016. Under his guidance, La Dea have evolved from mid-table obscurity into perennial European contenders, even lifting the Europa League trophy last season.
However, the winds of change may soon sweep through Bergamo. Gasperini himself has hinted at a potential departure in the summer, while key players like Lookman could also be on their way out. Before any potential upheaval, though, Atalanta must navigate a tricky final stretch that includes this clash against Roma, followed by a trip to Genoa and a home fixture against Parma. Securing maximum points in these matches would not only guarantee Champions League football but also allow them to cap off another successful season in front of their passionate supporters.
Yet, despite their strong position, Atalanta’s home form has been surprisingly inconsistent in 2025. They have managed just eight points from their last nine league games at the Gewiss Stadium, including disappointing draws against Cagliari and Venezia. This vulnerability on home soil could offer Roma a glimmer of hope as they seek to avenge their 2-0 defeat in December’s reverse fixture. Historically, the Giallorossi have struggled in Bergamo, losing four of their last five visits. But this Roma side is a far cry from the team that labored earlier in the season—they arrive in scintillating form, unbeaten in their last 16 league matches.
Roma’s resurgence under Ranieri has been nothing short of extraordinary. Since replacing the dismissed José Mourinho in January, the veteran Italian coach has masterminded a remarkable turnaround, guiding the capital club from mid-table mediocrity to the cusp of Champions League qualification. Their latest victory—a hard-fought 1-0 win over Fiorentina—epitomized the resilience and defensive solidity that have become hallmarks of Ranieri’s tenure. Artem Dovbyk, the team’s leading scorer, broke the deadlock before goalkeeper Mile Svilar produced a series of crucial saves to preserve the narrow lead.
Svilar, in particular, has been a revelation this season. The Serbian shot-stopper boasts a save percentage of 77.5% and has kept an impressive 15 clean sheets in Serie A—the most by a Roma goalkeeper since Alisson Becker’s 17 in the 2017-18 campaign. His composure between the posts has been instrumental in Roma’s defensive stability, with the team conceding a league-low eight goals since the turn of the year. In fact, no club in Europe’s top five leagues has recorded more 1-0 victories this season than Roma, with nine of those narrow wins coming under Ranieri’s stewardship.
This defensive resilience, combined with a newfound ability to grind out results, has propelled Roma to the top of the form table. Since January, they have amassed a league-high 43 points, keeping 10 clean sheets in the process. Their remarkable consistency has not only reignited their top-four hopes but also cemented Ranieri’s status as a club legend. The 72-year-old, who is set to depart at the end of the season, has already etched his name into Roma folklore with previous spells at the helm. Now, he has the chance to bow out on a high by securing Champions League football—a fitting finale to his third and final stint in the Eternal City.
For Atalanta, the equation is simple: avoid defeat, and they will take a giant step toward securing a top-three finish. Gasperini’s men have thrived under pressure this season, and their attacking firepower—spearheaded by the likes of Lookman, De Ketelaere, and Gianluca Scamacca—makes them a formidable opponent for any side. However, Roma’s defensive discipline and tactical adaptability under Ranieri could prove decisive in what promises to be a tightly contested affair.
With so much at stake, Monday’s showdown is more than just a game—it is a battle of philosophies, a test of nerve, and potentially a defining moment in both clubs’ seasons. Will Atalanta’s free-scoring attack overpower Roma’s resolute backline? Or will the Giallorossi’s unbeaten streak extend further, keeping their Champions League dreams alive? As the final whistle blows in Bergamo, the answers to these questions could shape the futures of two of Italy’s most ambitious clubs.