Atalanta vs Roma: Prediction, Team News, and Lineups Preview
Atalanta BC is set to host Roma in an exciting Serie A clash on Saturday night, January 6, 2026. The match marks the return of Gian Piero Gasperini to Bergamo, where he previously served as Atalanta’s successful manager for nine seasons.
Match Preview
Gasperini returns to his old stomping grounds as Roma’s head coach. He enjoyed a stellar tenure with Atalanta, leading the team to significant achievements, including an Europa League title in 2024. However, this match comes with high stakes, as both clubs vie for a top-four finish in Serie A.
Roma had a challenging run before Christmas, managing just three points in their last four league matches. This slump has hindered their Champions League aspirations. Conversely, Gasperini’s Roma recently secured a victory over Genoa, powered by a strong first-half performance.
Current Standings
As of now, Roma sits three points away from the top spot. They boast the best defensive record in Serie A, having conceded only 11 goals in 17 matches. Last season, they led the league in clean sheets with 18 while accumulating a total of 82 points.
Despite their strong defensive stats, Roma has struggled in recent visits to Atalanta, winning just one of their last seven encounters. In contrast, Atalanta has been dominant, averaging over two goals per game during their previous matchups and winning five of the last six meetings.
Team News
Atalanta faces some challenges with squad availability. Nigerian forward Ademola Lookman and Ivorian defender Odilon Kossounou are both participating in the Africa Cup of Nations. Raoul Bellanova is also unavailable due to injury.
The team will count on Gianluca Scamacca for offensive contributions, although he has yet to score against Roma in Serie A despite significant minutes played. Davide Zappacosta is fit to play, while Bryan Cristante returns to Roma’s midfield.
For Roma, key players such as Neil El Aynaoui and Evan Ndicka are missing due to international duty and injury, respectively. Lorenzo Pellegrini is sidelined with a hamstring strain, but goalkeeper Mile Svilar has excelled, leading Europe’s top leagues in both clean sheets and save percentage in 2025.
Possible Lineups
Here is a look at the potential starting lineups for both teams:
| Atalanta BC | AS Roma |
|---|---|
| Carnesecchi | Svilar |
| Djimsiti | Mancini |
| Hien | Ziolkowski |
| Kolasinac | Hermoso |
| Zappacosta | Celik |
| De Roon | Kone |
| Ederson | Cristante |
| Zalewski | Wesley |
| De Ketelaere | Soule |
| Pasalic | Dybala |
| Scamacca | Ferguson |
Match Prediction
This match is expected to be a tactical battle between two clubs shaped by the same coach in Gasperini. Given both teams’ defensive strengths and recent performances, a scoreless draw could be a likely outcome.
This encounter will showcase the challenges both clubs face as they continue their pursuits for a top-four finish in Serie A. Fans can expect a closely contested match at the Gewiss Stadium.
