Atalanta v Roma: Three opposition players to watch

Roma are looking to get back on track in their hunt for second place in Serie A as Luciano Spalletti’s men travel to the Stadio Atleti Azzurri d’Italia on Sunday.

Atalanta came away as 2-0 winners when the sides battled at the Stadio Olimpico in November – the Giallorossi’s only home defeat of the campaign so far. If Spalletti’s men are to grab revenge this time around, they will need to keep an eye on these three players…

Alejandro Gomez

The Argentinean winger is leading Atalanta’s attack in both goals (seven) and assists (three) so far this season. With 30 appearances, coach Eddie Reja evidently looks to Gomez as the focal point of the attack – as both a creator and scorer of goals for his side.

In his prime at 28 years-old, the former Catania striker is currently in a rich vein of form, with two goals in the last three matches. Predominantly left-sided, Gomez will be looking to exploit the defence with his rapid acceleration down the flanks, dribbling against the defenders and exploiting any space they may leave.

If Roma can stop Gomez, then Atalanta’s attack can be constrained.

Mauricio Pinilla

Having now played for 13 different clubs in five different countries, Atalanta’s No. 51 has been tough to handle for Serie A defences this term – scoring five goals and making two assists. At the tip of the attack for his side the Chilean has often been a commanding presence this term - winning almost three aerial battles per match.

He is also in a solid run of form: the centre forward has both a goal and an assist in his last three performances, of which one was a match-winning bicycle kick against AC Milan in the 90th minute. After conceding from a set-piece situation in the last match against Bologna, Roma’s backline must command their own box if they want to deny Pinilla a similar scoring opportunity this time around.

Andrea Conti

The second half of the season has been all about the 22-year-old right wing-back for Atalanta, who is quickly emerging as a regular starter for the side. An Azzurri U21 player, Conti is a product of the club’s famed youth academy, and is quickly becoming a force on the right flank to complement Gomez.

Having only made his debut in January, Conti already has two goals in just nine starts (with one further substitute appearance). The young defender has been commendable in such a short amount of time – winning 15 tackles, completing 32 interceptions, and making 22 clearances.

Conti will be looking to repeat his March performance against Juventus where he scored a goal and made three important tackles. Roma’s left flank has carried an attacking threat of its own in recent weeks but will have to be wary on the counter-attack in this game, as Conti will look to take advantage of any slips in organisation and continue his fine adjustment to life in the top flight.