Roma came from behind to clinch a 2-1 win over Atalanta BC at Stadio Atleti Azzurri d'Italia in Serie A this evening.
The home side were ahead inside the opening minute when Cristian Raimondi sent a floating pass into the box, which Maximiliano Moralez collected and curled into the top corner.
Atalanta had a chance to double their lead shortly after, but Daniele Baselli's powerful shot from the edge of the box was kept out by the crossbar.
The visitors started to see more of the ball as the first half progressed, and managed to get back on level terms when Adem Ljajic fired the ball in low.
Ljajic was involved again before half time, making a quick break before pulling the ball back for Radja Nainggolan to blast in from the edge of the area and put Roma ahead for the first time.
After a quiet start to the second half, Atalanta tried to get themselves back into the tie when Moralez created some space outside the box before firing just wide.
Raimondi thought that he had a chance with 10 minutes to go when the ball was crossed in towards him at the near post, but Roma cleared before he could get his finish away.
The match got scrappy towards the end as both sides pushed for the fourth goal, resulting in the referee having to hand out a string of yellow cards and free kicks in the closing minutes.
As a result, the hosts finished the match with 10 men when Richmond Boakye was sent of for a reckless challenge deep in stoppage time, while trying to steal the ball back for Atalanta late on.
The result keeps Roma second in the table, level on points with leaders Juventus, while Atalanta sit 17th.
Sian Cowper
