Scalvini Strike Sinks Roma at Gewiss Stadium

BERGAMO, ITALY — The Gewiss Stadium buzzed with anticipation as tenth-placed Atalanta welcomed fifth-placed AS Roma on a crisp evening in Bergamo, and the home faithful were rewarded with a hard-fought 1-0 victory that breathed new life into their campaign. The atmosphere crackled with tension from the opening whistle, both sets of supporters sensing the importance of three points in a tightly contested Serie A season.

Giorgio Scalvini emerged as the hero in the 12th minute, rising highest at a corner to power a header from close range into the net. The young defender's timing was impeccable, attacking the delivery with purpose and giving Mile Svilar no chance. The Gewiss Stadium erupted, and that early breakthrough proved enough to separate two sides desperate for points.

Roma responded with authority, gradually asserting control through Manu Koné and Bryan Cristante in midfield. Paulo Dybala orchestrated attacks from the right while Matías Soulé probed down the opposite flank. Yet despite their territorial advantage, the visitors struggled to translate possession into clear-cut chances. Marco Carnesecchi stood firm when called upon, producing a crucial save in the 52nd minute to deny Soulé from a tight angle after Bryan Cristante's clever pass.

Roma enjoyed the majority of possession at 54.7%, dominating the ball for long stretches, but Atalanta's defensive resilience frustrated their every move. Despite 13 attempts, Atalanta managed just two on target, yet their clinical edge at the set piece proved decisive. Roma fired 10 shots of their own, with four testing Carnesecchi, but the Italian goalkeeper remained unbeatable. Berat Djimsiti and Giorgio Scalvini marshalled the Atalanta backline superbly, throwing their bodies on the line repeatedly during a nervy final 20 minutes.

The turning point arrived in the 64th minute when Roma won back-to-back corners, sensing their opportunity to level. Paulo Dybala's delivery found space in the box, but Berat Djimsiti produced a crucial block to deny what seemed a certain equalizer. That moment of defensive heroism preserved Atalanta's slender advantage and deflated Roma's growing momentum.

The closing stages descended into a physical battle, with both sides accumulating fouls as desperation crept in. Atalanta absorbed wave after wave of Roma pressure, with Éderson and Charles De Ketelaere dropping deep to provide additional cover. Gianluca Scamacca worked tirelessly up front, holding up play and relieving pressure whenever possible. When the final whistle sounded after five minutes of added time, the relief was palpable among the home supporters.

Looking ahead, Roma host Lecce on January 6, seeking to bounce back immediately from this setback, while Atalanta travel to face Bologna on January 7, hoping to build momentum from this vital three points.