AS Roma’s terrible week came to a dreadful end as their unbeaten home run was ended by an impressive Atalanta side, losing 2-0 to former Lazio coach Edy Reja’s team.
Alejandro Gomez opened the scoring in the first half for the away side before Germán Denis converted a late penalty after Giallorossi defender Maicon was sent off.
Both Atalanta defenders Guglielmo Stendardo and Alberto Grassi were shown red cards late in the game but Roma were unable to get anything from the match.
Another horror show at the back
Ten goals conceded in one week. By anyone’s standards, that is an appealing record, but for a side that wants to establish itself as the best in Italy and one of the best in Europe, it is unacceptable. After playing out a disappointing 2-2 draw at Bologna last weekend before the hammering at Barcelona in midweek, the Atalanta double has added to a miserable week for Roma’s back line.
Rudi Garcia has always been noted as an attacking coach but however good his forward play is, the problems at the back are inexcusable. Lucas Digne, who has made a good start to his career in Rome, made a poor mistake in the lead-up to Atalanta’s opener and, to rub salt into the wounds, experienced defender Maicon committed a silly foul, which not only gave Atalanta a penalty to double their lead and finish off Roma but also saw him sent off.
It was not just for the two goals where Roma were shaky. From set pieces especially, the Giallorossi looked unsure and were lucky not to concede more. With the January transfer window still a month away, Garcia has to do some major work on the training ground otherwise Roma will be out of the Serie A title race before the new year.
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