AS Roma 2 : 0 Atalanta - Giallorossi back on form

Posted Sunday, October 07, 2012 by PA

Roma bounced back from their 4-1 defeat to Juventus a week ago to brush aside Atalanta 2-0 at the Stadio Olimpico.

Erik Lamela and Michael Bradley got the goals as Zdenek Zeman's side responded to recent criticism to edge up the Serie A table.

It was not all easy going, though, and Atalanta were unfortunate not to go in front before the opening goal after half an hour, but their challenge faded after the hour mark when Bradley's goal left them with a mountain to climb.

As a result, the Nerazzurri were beaten for the second week in a row to remain in a precarious position near the foot of the table.

Zeman's reaction to last week's heavy defeat was to leave Daniele de Rossi and Pablo Osvaldo on the bench, preferring instead under-21 international Alessandro Florenzi and Lamela in his starting XI.

It was a decision which was aimed at shaking up the team, but they almost fell behind as Luca Cigarini was denied by goalkeeper Maarten Stekelenburg in the 11th minute.

The warning was not heeded and Stekelenburg again was called into action to deny Ezequiel Schelotto.

It was one-way traffic toward the Roma goal and German Denis missed the target and Maximiliano Moralez volleyed against the post.

But the visitors were punished for wasting their chances when Lamela put the Giallorossi in front against the run of play after half an hour.

He exchanged passes with Francesco Totti before beating Andrea Consigli with an awkward shot.

The goal stunned Atalanta, who had appeared in control of the game up to then, and it gave confidence to Roma, who hit the crossbar two minutes before the break with Mattia Destro the man denied.

After Totti missed the target with a spectacular effort from long range, Roma doubled their advantage when Bradley pounced on the ball after Consigli parried Destro's effort and directed his shot home.

Denis had a goal disallowed for offside in the 76th minute and that proved to be the last chance the Bergamese side had of getting back into the game.

Consigli denied Totti 10 minutes from time, preventing a heavier defeat for Stefano Colantuono's side.