Sat Jan 03 18:50:00 UTC 2026: ## Gasperini Returns to Bergamo as Roma Faces Atalanta in Top-Four Showdown

Bergamo, Italy – January 3, 2026 – All eyes will be on Bergamo this Saturday as Atalanta BC hosts AS Roma in a highly anticipated Serie A clash. The match marks the return of Gian Piero Gasperini to his former stomping grounds for the first time since leaving Atalanta after nine successful seasons, including a Europa League triumph in 2024.

However, sentiment will be put aside as the two teams battle for crucial points in the fiercely competitive race for a Champions League spot. Gasperini, now managing Roma, will be looking to continue his impressive record against his former club, having only lost four of his 14 previous encounters against La Dea.

Roma currently sit just three points off the top of the table, their success built upon the league’s best defensive record. However, their recent away form against Atalanta is concerning, having lost their last three visits. Atalanta, on the other hand, has dominated recent meetings, winning five of the last six Serie A matches between the two sides.

Atalanta enters the match after a mixed start to the post-Gasperini era. After a brief and unsuccessful period under Ivan Juric, new coach Raffaele Palladino has stabilized the team. Despite being in contention for the title last February, their 2025 calendar-year win rate was the worst since 2016.

Palladino will be without key players Ademola Lookman and Odilon Kossounou, who are on international duty at the Africa Cup of Nations, as well as injured wing-back Raoul Bellanova. Roma will miss Neil El Aynaoui (AFCON), Evan Ndicka (AFCON), and Lorenzo Pellegrini (injured).

Predicted Lineups:

  • Atalanta BC: Carnesecchi; Djimsiti, Hien, Kolasinac; Zappacosta, De Roon, Ederson, Zalewski; De Ketelaere, Pasalic; Scamacca
  • Roma: Svilar; Mancini, Ziolkowski, Hermoso; Celik, Kone, Cristante, Wesley; Soule, Dybala; Ferguson

With both teams molded by Gasperini’s tactical influence, a tight and strategic contest is expected. Pundits predict a low-scoring affair, potentially resulting in a draw.

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