The Eternal City prepares for its weekly crisis

If you enjoy tactical chaos and the sight of a 74-year-old Claudio Ranieri trying to explain a low block to a group of confused multi-millionaires, the Olimpico is the only place to be this Sunday. It is the clash of the nearly-men as AS Roma, currently clinging to sixth place with 57 points, welcomes an Atalanta side that remains the only team in Italy capable of running for 90 minutes without needing a cigarette break.

Roma is, as always, a glorious mess. Despite being sixth, they managed to win 18 games this season through sheer vibes and the occasional moment of magic from Paulo Dybala, who spends more time in the physio room than on the pitch. The Tinkerman is back at the helm because apparently, Roma’s board treats the managerial position like a revolving door in a hurricane. They are just three points off the Champions League places, which is impressive considering their defensive strategy often resembles a group of tourists lost near the Colosseum.

Then we have Atalanta. Gian Piero Gasperini has been in Bergamo since the dawn of time, and he still looks like he’s about to fight the fourth official over a throw-in. The Dea sits in seventh with 53 points, fueled by Mateo Retegui’s 13 goals and Ademola Lookman’s ability to make Serie A defenders look like they’re wearing concrete boots. They are the ultimate "we will outrun you" team, a relentless pressing machine that treats every midfield duel like a gladiatorial execution.

Expect a lot of whistling, at least three VAR interventions that nobody understands, and Gasperini receiving a yellow card for existing. Roma will try to soak up pressure like a leaky sponge, while Atalanta will throw bodies forward until someone either scores or collapses from exhaustion.

Prediction: AS Roma 1-2 Atalanta BC