Atalanta have sealed their place in next season’s UEFA Champions League following a 2-1 victory over Roma on Monday, thanks to a decisive strike from Ibrahim Sulemana in the 76th minute.
The win puts Gian Piero Gasperini’s men seven points clear of fifth-placed Lazio with just two games left in the Serie A season, ensuring a top-four finish and a return to Europe’s elite competition.
Ademola Lookman gave Atalanta an early lead, only for former Atalanta player Bryan Cristante to draw Roma level in the 32nd minute with a well-timed header. But Sulemana’s second-half goal not only secured all three points for Atalanta but also ended Roma’s impressive 19-match unbeaten run.
Roma, now in sixth place, trail both Lazio and fourth-placed Juventus by just one point. Their Champions League hopes are still alive, but they face a difficult fixture against a resurgent AC Milan side next weekend, while Juventus play Udinese.
Qualifying for the Champions League would mark a remarkable turnaround for Roma under Claudio Ranieri, who came out of retirement in November to manage his hometown club for a third time when they were flirting with relegation.
Meanwhile, Gasperini’s future continues to be a topic of speculation. After nine seasons of success with Atalanta, including last season’s Europa League triumph, he is rumored to be in line to succeed Ranieri at Roma.
What you should know
Atalanta are back in the Champions League after beating Roma 2-1, with Ibrahim Sulemana’s winner guaranteeing a top-four finish. Roma’s 19-game unbeaten streak ended, and their Champions League hopes now hang on upcoming clashes, notably against in-form AC Milan.
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