Scalvini strikes against Roma to send Atalanta to Serie A summit
In a first half lacking quality, the Atalanta opener arrived with their first shot on target, with Scalvini guiding a delightful right-footed strike into the Roma net. The youngster, who had scored just one senior goal in the past, showed a touch of class beyond his years to give La Dea the advantage.
In truth, the lead should’ve been short-lived, as an uncharacteristically wasteful Tammy Abraham spurned two chances just before the break, much to the frustration of the Giallorossi faithful. Failing to keep his composure during a one-on-one with shot-stopper Marco Sportiello, Abraham would see a close-range effort saved by the Atalanta goalkeeper - who was substituted on for the injured Juan Musso after eight minutes - just moments later.
If the first period was passive, the second was anything but, with Roma boss José Mourinho shown a red card midway through the half for protests against referee Daniele Chiffi. Typically incensed by the decision not to give his side a penalty, the combustible 59-year-old stormed onto the pitch to voice his frustrations. Unsurprisingly, it ended with Mourinho being sent to the stands, and not for the first time during his Roma career.
Now charged with anger, the Roma supporters began urging their side forwards, but wastefulness in front of goal would cost the Giallorossi a route back into the game. Substitute Eldor Shomurodov spurned the hosts’ best chance to equalise, skewing a back-post header wide of the gaping goal.
Flashscore Man of the Match: Marco Sportiello (Atalanta)