Italy Round 36

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Atalanta vs Roma Preview:

Possible starting lineups:

Atalanta:
Carnesecchi; Scalvini, Hien, Djimsiti; Zappacosta, Ederson, Pasalic, Ruggeri; Koopmeiners, Lookman; Scamacca

Roma:
Svilar; Celik, Mancini, Ndicka, Angelino; Cristante, Paredes, Pellegrini; Dybala, Lukaku, El Shaarawy

Atalanta and Roma will face in Bergamo in the direct clash for the fifth place that guarantee Champions League football for the next season. Atalanta have 60 points from 34 matches, while Roma also have 60 points, but played one game more. Both teams were in the semifinals of UEFA Europe League, but with different success. Atalanta managed to eliminate Marseille, while Roma suffered an aggregate 4:2 defeat to Bayer Leverkusen. If Atalanta lift the trophy in Dublin, they will definitely play in the Champions League. And I think it is not impossible Italy to have six clubs in the Champions League next season.

Atalanta are in solid form at the moment, both domestic and European. The fans are satisfied, but there is no space for relaxation. Their team have played in the Champions League in the recent years, so they are expecting to see top football again. Coach Gian Piero Gasperini is the most deserved person, he has an iconic status in Bergamo. As I wrote above, Atalanta are in good form, they have won the last three matches in Serie A. They beat Monza, Empoli and Salernitana, so the atmosphere in the squad is very good. Most of the players are available, but they are tired. Gasperini could make few changes, but not too many. To be worse, he has some injury issues as Rafael Toloi and Emil Holm are still sidelined, while Sead Kolasinac is rated as doubtful with a thigh problem.

Roma are not in best form at the moment. They have just one win in the last six matches across all competitions. Worst of all, they dropped too many points at home. The Giallorossi lost 3:1 to Bologna and then were held to an 1:1 draw by Juventus last week. That means they had collected just one from the possible six points. Even the semi-finals in Europe League was virtually decided at Olimpico where Roma lost 2:0. De Rossi has some additional issues as Paulo Dybala is struggling with injury. He was unable to play any part in Leverkusen on Thursday due to an adductor problem, but could be involved against Atalanta. Leonardo Spinazzola was forced off by an injury against Bayer and won't play in Bergamo., Angelino and Zeki Celik should start at full-back positions.

Atalanta vs Roma Prediction:

I think Atalanta are closer to the victory. There are three reasons for my pick. The first is connect with the home advantage. The second is connect with the actual momentum. Atalanta players are very confident after securing Europa League final, while the situation in Roma is opposite. I think the elimination have a negative impact. Finally, the third and the last reason - Atalanta have player able to make a difference in this clash - Roma youth product Gianluca Scamacca. He reached double figures in Serie A by scoring in Salerno earlier this week, and the former West Ham player has now scored in four consecutive games for the first time in his top-flight career. On contrary, Lukaku is far from his best, while Dybala is injured.

Atalanta vs Roma Pick: Atalanta to win @ 1.95 with Pinnacle