Roma keep European hopes alive with battling draw against Atalanta in Serie A

The match for European spots began with high intensity as Atalanta took the lead within the first 12 minutes.

Mario Hermoso lost possession in his own half to Marten de Roon, who passed it to Nikola Krstović, and despite challenges, the Montenegro forward controlled it and slotted the ball into the bottom-left corner.

Since joining Roma, Donyell Malen has only been outscored by Harry Kane in Europe's top five leagues, yet the Dutch player missed chances to increase his count during the opening period.

Initially, Stephen El Shaarawy advanced and set up an easy finish for Malen, but Marco Carnesecchi blocked his close-range effort.

The Atalanta goalkeeper thwarted Malen again shortly after, this time from a narrow angle within the penalty area.

Roma persisted in seeking a leveller, and it came just before the break when Devyne Rensch headed the ball back from the far post, allowing Hermoso to volley it in.

The second half started with chances for both teams. Substitute Nicola Zalewski, introduced before the interval, struck just wide from afar, while El Shaarawy was stopped by Carnesecchi at the near post.

Carnesecchi remained alert, saving another effort from Malen at his upright.

Hermoso came close next for the hosts with a header that the away keeper easily collected.

Ultimately, Atalanta held firm against Roma's pressure to secure a draw, staying in the race for European spots.

Roma have not beaten La Dea in their last eight encounters but hold sixth position, trailing by four points before facing tonight's rivals.