Breaking: Roma’s Unbeaten Streak Snapped as VAR Controversy Marrs Derby Defeat to Atalanta
Rome – A disappointing night in Bergamo has seen AS Roma’s hopes of Champions League football next season take a significant hit after a controversial VAR decision handed them a 2-1 defeat to drones-loving Atalanta, snapping their 19-match unbeaten Serie A run. The result drops Roma to sixth, just one point behind both Juventus and Lazio with two matches remaining.
In a pivotal clash that could’ve seen Roma leapfrog their rivals into fourth, it was the hosts who soared instead, thanks to strikes from Ademola Lookman and Ibrahim Sulemana, leaving Bryan Cristante’s temporary equalizer mere consolation. But the game’s decisive moment, and likely Roma’s defining Serie A result of the season, came when a penalty awarded to the Giallorossi was overturned via VAR following a clash between Mario Pasalic and Manu Kone.
Claudio Ranieri, typically a picture of composure, erupted in disgust post-match, lambasting the match officials and VAR for inconsistency and a failure to communicate clear rules. The 74-year-old coach slammed the decision, questioning how clear and obvious an error needed to be for intervention and whether VAR should’ve stepped in given the "clear contact" between Pasalic’s foot and Kone’s ankle.
Ranieri was also left fuming by Luca Marelli, DAZN’s refereeing expert, who argued there was no real contact, sparking a heated exchange between the two that saw the Roma boss abruptly end his post-match interview: "There was definitely contact, you can see it! Pasalic puts his foot down firmly, he doesn’t get the ball, he does get the player. How can you say no? We are literally looking at it! Good evening."
With the referee booking Ranieri for dissent after the final whistle, attention now turns to Roma’s remaining fixtures against Udinese and Sassuolo, knowing they must now win both games to have any hope of securing a return to Europe’s premier club competition.
Ranieri’s Roma Unlucky in Bergamo: VAR Drama and Missed Opportunities Cost Giallorossi Fourth Place Bid
AS Roma’s Champions League qualification hopes took a significant hit on Saturday evening, as a contentious VAR decision and missed opportunities saw them go down 2-1 to Atalanta in Bergamo. This loss, coupled with victories for Juventus and Lazio, has dropped the Giallorossi to sixth place, just a point behind the teams in the coveted top four positions.
Unbeaten Run Comes to an End
Ranieri’s Roma had not tasted defeat in Serie A since December 15, 2024, a 25-match unbeaten streak that had seen them climb the standings and harbor genuine ambitions of qualifying for next season’s Champions League. However, they were unable to extend this run against a high-flying Atalanta side, who are the reigning Europa League champions and known for their intense, high-pressing style of play.
The Goal That Never Was
The turning point in the match came in the 66th minute when Mario Pasalic challenged Manu Koné in the Atalanta penalty area. Referee Simone Sozza initially pointed to the spot, only for VAR to intervene and revoke the decision, ruling that Koné had essentially run into Pasalic. Roma coach Claudio Ranieri was left fuming at the decision, questioning the consistency of VAR interpretations throughout the season.
Pro Tip: VAR’s On-Field Review system has been criticized for its inconsistency, with coaches and fans alike struggling to understand what constitutes a clear and obvious error.
Ranieri’s Fury at VAR
Speaking to DAZN after the match, an incensed Ranieri questioned why VAR had intervened in the first place. “We knew Atalanta were the masters of intensity, but what I wanted to know from your technical experts is, was that a penalty? We saw that Pasalic mistimed the challenge, put his foot down and caught my player. So VAR should not have intervened.”
Ranieri went on to ask if VAR can intervene when there is minimal contact, as seen in the Pasalic-Koné incident. “The rules change from one game to the next, we accept it, but it is disappointing to see that there is no consistency in this league. We want to know what the rules are, have they changed? We would accept that, without understanding it, but at least let us know if the rules are changed.”
Did You Know?
VAR has been used in Serie A since the 2017-18 season, but its implementation and interpretations continue to divide fans, coaches, and even referees.
Missed Opportunities Costly for Roma
Despite the controversy surrounding the VAR decision, Roma had opportunities to take something from the game. Bryan Cristante’s 70th-minute goal briefly brought them level, but they failed to find an equalizer. Atalanta punished them through goals from Ademola Lookman and Ibrahim Sulemana, securing all three points.
Roma’s Fourth Place Hopes Diminish, But Fight Remains
With just three games remaining, Roma’s Champions League qualification hopes are hanging by a thread. However, Ranieri remains defiant and is determined to lead his side to victory in their remaining fixtures. “After tonight, I don’t know if it’s still feasible for fourth place, but we will fight to the end, as we always have done,” he told DAZN.
Roma will next face AC Milan at the Olimpico on May 19, knowing that nothing but a victory will do if they are to keep their Champions League dreams alive.
FAQ
- What happened to Roma’s unbeaten run? Roma’s 19-match unbeaten streak in Serie A was ended by a 2-1 loss to Atalanta on Saturday.
- Why was the penalty awarded to Roma revoked? VAR intervened and ruled that Manu Koné ran into Mario Pasalic, effectively making it a Roma player on Atalanta player collision, rather than a foul by Pasalic.
- What’s next for Roma in their pursuit of Champions League qualification? Roma must beat AC Milan at home on May 19 and hope that results go their way elsewhere to have any chance of qualifying for the Champions League.
Call to Action
What do you think about VAR’s role in football? Should it intervene even when contact is minimal? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below, and stay tuned to 247sports.new for all the latest news and analysis from Serie A and beyond.