View from the Opposition: The quickfire scouting report on Atalanta

What’s your assessment of Atalanta’s first half of the season: positives, negatives and the club’s aims from here until May?

“The first half of the season has been very positive on all fronts. In the league, the team are a few points off sixth place, which would qualify them for European competition next season; in the Europa League, Atalanta finished in first place in their group, which was as surprising as it was excellent; and in the Coppa Italia, they made it through to the semi-finals a few days ago after beating Napoli at the Stadio San Paolo.

"Overall, it’s been extraordinary so far and shows that the achievements last season weren’t an exception but the result of some excellent work done by club and coach. The club’s main aim is to carry on competing in Serie A and get as far as possible in the cups. As for a negative, perhaps the team don’t finish off enough of the chances they create. For example, in the last match against Cagliari, Atalanta had 17 goalscoring opportunities but only managed one in additional time."

How will Gasperini line his team up on Sunday?

“The Atalanta coach should go with his usual formation, 3-4-3. Berisha in goal; Toloi, Caldara and Masiello in defence; Hateboer or Castagne on the right of midfield, Cristante and Freuler in the middle and Spinazzola on the left; and the trio of Ilicic, Petagna and Gomez up top.

"Alternatively, if Gasperini opts for a 3-4-1-2 like he did against Napoli in the cup, De Roon could come into midfield, pushing Cristante further forward into the hole to support a front two of Petagna and Gomez, with Ilicic ready to come off the bench.”

Who will be Atalanta’s key player against Roma and why?

“Even though the main strength of Atalanta is the team and Gasperini doesn’t bother too much about the opponent’s tactics when picking his side, the man who is key to Atalanta’s play is Andrea Petagna – if I had to pick someone. He may not score many goals, but he is the focal point of Atalanta’s moves: everything revolves around him. If he’s on song, the team play well, otherwise there are problems.”

If you could choose one Roma player, who would you pick?

"I’d pick Alisson Becker, I think he’s brilliant. He’s probably gone under the radar a bit and is underappreciated by pundits and fans alike, but the Brazilian No.1 pulls out saves that were destined to be goals. He makes the difference.”