Atalanta secures eighth straight win, closing in on Napoli

In Italy, Atalanta secured a critical victory over AS Roma with a score of 2-0, further solidifying their position as serious contenders in Serie A. The match took place on a Monday, and it was significant for Roma, who were playing at home for the first time since Claudio Ranieri's return as coach. As Atalanta continues to chase Italian league leaders Napoli, they are now only one point behind, demonstrating their excellent form with this win marking their eighth consecutive victory across all competitions. The goals for Atalanta came from Marten De Roon, whose strike was deflected, and a late header from Nicolo Zaniolo, a former Roma player. This adds to the pressure on Roma, who find themselves in a precarious 15th position in the league, just two points above the relegation zone, following their sixth defeat in seven matches. Roma's coach Ranieri acknowledged the challenge posed by Atalanta, who are well-prepared and seem ready to fight for the Serie A title. Fans had shown support for Ranieri during the match, as he returned to the Stadio Olimpico amid a difficult moment for his team. The significance of this match extends beyond just the scoreline, as it involves the emotional return of Ranieri to Roma and the ongoing struggles faced by the club, which has created a need for immediate improvement to avoid relegation.