Roma Player Ratings vs Atalanta: Calamitous Giallorossi Humbled by Mighty Goddess | OneFootball

High-flying Atalanta poured more misery on out-of-sorts Roma, claiming a well-deserved 2-0 victory in Monday’s titanic Serie A clash. The game proved one-sided at the Stadio Olimpico, with the home side struggling to get anything going, managing just one shot on target as they slumped to their sixth loss in the past seven rounds.

Claudio Ranieri lost his first league game in charge last weekend, going down 1-0 at Napoli. However, Roma atoned for that miserable performance with a spirited 2-2 draw at Tottenham Hotspur in midweek UEFA Europa League action, suggesting they could be on the verge of recovery.

However, the Giallorossi delivered another disheartening showing this evening. Despite denting Atalanta’s formidable attacking threat, Roma never came close to finding the net. Though it’s fair to say they conceded an unlucky goal, it was nothing less than La Dea deserved for their persistence throughout the game.

Indeed, Gian Piero Gasperini’s side scored from an innocuous situation. Captain Marten De Roon latched onto Zeki Celik’s clumsy clearance and dispatched a feeble effort goalward. Mile Svilar would’ve likely saved the Dutchman’s attempt, but the ball deflected off Celik’s back and wrong-footed the Serbian goalkeeper.

Atalanta put the game to bed down the final stretch through second-half substitute Nicolo Zaniolo flicked Juan Cuadrado’s corner-kick delivery over Svilar on the near post. Despite his previous ties with Roma, the Italian forward rubbed the salt into home fans’ wounds, taking off his shirt in a wild celebration.

Without further ado, let’s look at our Roma ratings.

Roma (3-5-1-1)

Mile Svilar – 5.5

The nasty deflection denied him any chance of preventing Atalanta’s opener. He was also powerless against Zaniolo’s header. Other than that, he had a relatively quiet match, dealing well with what came his way and maintaining his usual composure between the posts.

Gianluca Mancini – 7

The Roma captain led by example, delivering a scintillating showing at the heart of the defense. In addition to keeping Charles De Ketelaere quiet, the Italian defender made numerous interceptions and dominated his rivals in aerial duels.

Mats Hummels – 7.5

What a performance on his Serie A debut at the Olimpico! The veteran center-back neutralized the division’s top-scorer, Mateo Retegui, forcing the latter’s substitution at the beginning of the second half.

Evan Ndicka – 7

Like his defensive colleagues, the Ivorian was faultless this evening, constructing an impenetrable barrier alongside Mancini and Hummels. His composure under pressure and perfectly timed tackles thwarted any chance of a breakthrough for Atalanta.

Angelino – 6

Overly committed to his defensive duties, the diminutive wingback foregone his offensive contributions, limiting his usual impact in the final third.

Bryan Cristante – 6

Though invisible in build-up plays, the Roma stalwart was omnipresent defensively, breaking up attacks and protecting his backline. His ability to cover ground and make crucial interventions in midfield was key to his side’s stability at the back.

Leandro Paredes – 5.5

He was supposed to be the architect of Roma’s attacks, but that wasn’t the case tonight. It was an uneventful night for the Argentine star.

Manu Kone – 5.5

It feels like the French midfielder hesitates to get rid of the ball on time, often seeking something spectacular instead of keeping it simple.

Zeki Celik – 4

His offensive quality is debatable at best. Despite his attacking shortcomings, the Turkish right-back held his ground against Ademola Lookman, reaffirming his defensive credentials.

Paulo Dybala – 5

Roma’s most eventful player had a rare night off, failing to impact the play for most of the game. Frustration boiled over early in the second half when he picked up a needless booking.

Artem Dovbyk – 4

Bereft of confidence after only scoring once in his last five Serie A appearances, last season’s La Liga top-scorer floundered under pressure, committing several laughable errors.

Substitutes

Eldor Shomurodov – 3

Alexis Saelemaekers – 4.5

Stephan El Shaarway – 4