Atalanta vs Roma prediction, H2H and probable lineups - January 3, 2026
One of the matches of Serie A's 18th round will take place this Saturday at the Gewiss Stadium in Bergamo, where local side Atalanta will host Roma. Here’s a betting pick for this intriguing clash with a solid chance of success.
Match preview
Atalanta closed out 2025 with a defeat to Inter, where Raffaele Palladino’s men not only lost on the scoreboard but also in terms of overall play. It was the first real blow to Bergamo’s confidence in recent weeks, following a strong run of victories in both Serie A and European competition. Nevertheless, Atalanta remain a force at home, especially against Roma—a side they regularly bested under former coach Gasperini.
The team is currently dealing with some personnel issues: Zappacosta is sidelined with a muscle injury, Lookman is absent, and both flanks are missing key defenders. Still, their tactical structure remains recognizable, and the trio of Pasalic, Scamacca, and De Ketelaere is more than capable of troubling any defense. Facing their former coach, who knows the strengths and weaknesses of his old squad inside out, will be a serious test.
Roma ended the year with a convincing win over Genoa, sealing the result by the 30th minute. Gian Piero Gasperini continues to shape a competitive side, which, while not always consistent, boasts impressive attacking firepower. Over their last eight matches, the Giallorossi have split wins and losses evenly, and the January fixtures will reveal whether this team can truly challenge for the top spots in the table.
Defensively, Roma have their own issues: while they boast the best record for goals conceded in Serie A, their xGA numbers paint a less flattering picture. Without Evan Ndicka and with several players out sick, their backline is vulnerable. Still, with Dybala, Soulé, and Ferguson leading the attack, Roma have the tools to find the net—even away from home.
Probable lineups
- Atalanta: Carnesecchi, Kolasinac, Hien, Djimsiti, Bernasconi, De Roon, Ederson, Zalewski, Pasalic, De Ketelaere, Scamacca
- Roma: Svilar, Ziolkowski, Mancini, Hermoso Canseco, Celik, Kone, Cristante, Wesley, Soule, Dybala, Ferguson
Match facts and head-to-head
- Atalanta have beaten Roma in five of their last six meetings.
- Both teams have found the net in four of their last five encounters.
- Roma remain one of just two Serie A teams yet to record a draw this season.
Prediction
Atalanta are formidable at home and know how to get results against Roma, even when missing key players. The Giallorossi, for their part, are unpredictable and have the attacking quality to score, but their instability and weakened defense could cost them. With both sides evenly matched, Atalanta look closer to victory—so we recommend backing "Atalanta to win with a 0 handicap" at 1.60 odds.
