View from the Opposition: Atalanta

Fabio Gennari, 42, is a journalist for the weekly newspaper Prima Bergamo, covering Atalanta as they continue the fine results they've been picking up over recent seasons.

We asked him to give us a bit of insight into the upcoming match - which gets underway at 18:30 CEST.

How are Atalanta doing heading into this game?

"About as well as possible, really. Atalanta deservedly beat Juventus at the weekend, creating four chances to score even before they did, at the fifth time of asking. The squad is looking physically fit and always seems to get better from spring onwards anyway. Right now, it seems to me they probably have a bit more to play for in the league than Roma do too."

What has prevented Atalanta from reaching even higher in Serie A this season?

"Perhaps it's been hard for them to find consistency after each Champions League game - which this time took place in six weeks out of eight. So you have to understand that after giving everything at Anfield in midweek, it can be hard to find the same intensity at the weekend in the league - not to mention a few extra injuries too."

Do you think Gasperini will go with the 3-4-1-2 or 4-2-3-1? And how will Atalanta approach the game?

"Before the away game in Verona (Atalanta lost 2-0), Gasperini had never played with a four-man defence from the start. When Malinovskyi came on against Juventus they went to four at the back them. With Cristian Romero back they could easy deploy a 4-2-3-1 system. But it's also the case that, with Romero being back, Gasperini now has four players for three central spots and thus could instead change up the wider players during the game.

"As far as the match itself goes, I expect Atalanta to really attack the match. They will want to play the football. With Roma under less pressure in the league, I'm expecting it to be quite entertaining."

Who is the key player for Atalanta?

"It would be easy for me to say Malinovskyi, Ilicic, Gosens, Muriel or Zapata. But, right now, I would say it's Jose Palomino. He's playing incredibly right now. And his great performances are showing how the Atalanta squad is a little bit deeper than many think."

Which player would you love to have from Roma?

"I have a weakness for Mkhitaryan. He knows what to do in both phases of the game, he provides assists, he's dynamic, he's clever on the ball. Remo Freuler will have to do his job to try and contain him on Thursday."

What's your prediction for the game?

"I think Atalanta will win. After the game against Torino at the weekend, I'm convinced that Roma are now thinking about the Europa League. If they win it, they qualify for the Champions League automatically. And, above all, they'd bring a European trophy back to Rome after a long time."