Atalanta, Roma battle for CL spot

will have five clubs in next season’s revamped Champions League, and this weekend Atalanta host AS Roma with both sides aiming to finish in the top five and make a return to Europe’s top competition.

Atalanta currently occupy that all-important fifth spot and have a game in hand on Roma in sixth, with the teams level on 60 points. They have a fourpoint gap to Lazio in seventh, so Sunday’s game in Bergamo could prove decisive.

Roma reached two European finals in the last two seasons, winning the Conference League in 2022 and losing the Europa League final on penalties to Sevilla last year, but Champions League football has been missing since 2019.

When Daniele De Rossi replaced Jose Mourinho as manager in January, he declared Champions League qualification as his main goal despite the fact that Roma were ninth in the standings at the time, and is close to making that objective a reality.

Their recent dip in form, however, has allowed Atalanta to regain the upper hand, with Roma recording just one win in their last four league games, while Atalanta have won three in the same period.

Bologna can take a major step towards clinching their place in the Champions League at Napoli on Sunday. Bologna are fourth, with a four-point advantage over Atalanta and Roma, and sit two points behind Juventus in third.

Defending champions Napoli face a Bologna side unbeaten in seven games.

AC Milan can strengthen their hold on second place when they host Cagliari on Sunday. Juventus welcome already relegated Salernitana on Sunday, while champions Inter Milan are at Frosinone on tomorrow. – Reuters