Atalanta secure Champions League as Roma lose 19-game unbeaten run

Atalanta are guaranteed access to next season's Champions League after their win against Roma brought them up to 71 points and seven clear of fourth-placed and fifth-placed Lazio in Serie A.

La Dea, who have turned into a real Italian force over recent years with Gan Piero Gasperini at the helm, will partake in the elite continental club competition for the fifth time since sealing qualification for the first time in 2018/19.

"The Champions League was the target for Atalanta. It's true that we were close to Inter and Napoli earlier in the season, but I think this was the best we could do," Gasperini said after the game. "It's a beautiful night. We can enjoy this achievement for the next couple of weeks"

Lookman opened the scoring within ten minutes to send Gasp's men ahead. The Nigerian star, served by De Ketelaere with his shoulder facing the goal, spun onto his right before firing past goalkeeper Svilar in the bottom corner.

Ederson, Retegui, and De Ketelaere all fluked their chances to double for the hosts, allowing Roma to pull level with Cristante. The midfielder headed home from a Soule cross just past the half-hour mark, leaving Atalanta with more work to do to seal third spot.

Sulemana struck the winner from a loose ball just outside the box in the 75th minute, sending Atalanta into ecstasy. Meanwhile, the Giallorossi were left fuming after they had a penalty ruled out by VAR just ten minutes before conceding.

"You can clearly see Pasalic catching my player (Kone) with his knee. It should've been a penalty," Ranieri said post-match about the penalty incident. Defeat ended a 19-game unbeaten run for Roma, which began on December 15.

Roma are still in line to qualify for the Champions League, as they sit one point behind fourth-placed Juventus with two games remaining. They must win their final games against fellow chasers AC Milan and Torino.