ROMA v ATALANTA
Serie A. Kick Off 7.30pm. Monday 27th August. Live on Eleven Sports 2
GIAN PIERO GASPERINI'S Atalanta weathered the storm and snagged 3 points in a courageous and exciting display last time they faced Roma at home. They netted twice in the first 20 minutes and despite going down to 10 men in the second half, showed real grit, staying on top until the final whistle.
Roma have been busy since then, conducting some shrewd transfer business, so history will not necessarily repeat itself tonight.
Atalanta's start to this season saw them embarrass a newly promoted Frosinone, slapping them 4-0. On the other hand, Eusebio Di Francesco's Roma team, tipped by many experts in pre-season to challenge Juventus for top spot, struggled to squeeze a 1-0 win over an uninspired Torino.
One thing the match did highlight was the impressive talent of a footballing legend's son, signalling future stardom. Justin Kluivert, offspring of Patrick, sprang from the bench and set up a blinding volley for Edin Dzeko's late winner.
This will be a tough obstacle for Roma to overcome and I don’t think it will be as easy as the ridiculous 8-11 match odds would suggest. 13-10 for Atalanta to win or draw is much more appealing.
Another interesting angle, backed by statistics, is the fact there hasn’t been a goalless draw between these two sides since 1984. The 2-3 goals in the total goals market is a nice price at 21-20.
Finally, Kluivert junior is about to go off like a firecracker, if not this game then certainly at some point in the season. So 9-4 for him to score a goal is reasonably fair. But he may start on the bench so don’t put the mortgage on it.
Recommended bets
- Atalanta or draw (13-10, Sportingbet)
- 2-3 total goals (21-20, Boylesports)
- Kluivert anytime scorer (9-4, bet365)
In December 2020 we sadly 
atalanta drew 0-0 at home in Europa league and face a 2nd leg away at Copenhagen in 3 days time so its a case of where their priorities lie I guess.
they are unbeaten in their last 4 here and in normal circumstances atalanta dc looks sound as only 2 of last 11 h2h have seen home wins here and in atalanta but its too close to Thursday for me to have a confident bet on it.
I go 1-1 for the record, good luck
You could well be right Elvis. I always come at these based on value odds . And there is simply too much in favour of a draw or away win for atalanta to be having 8/11 on a Roma win. As you say a couple of goals and a stalemate is the most likely outcome tonight.
Well it was a load of goals and a stalemate bud.
Well done with double chance.
Noticed at half time Atalanta led 9-4 in shots on goal.
That is a lot for an away side in any form of footy, especially serie a.
Let’s hope they have saved a few for the Danes on Thursday.