Atalanta end Roma's incredible unbeaten run as Ibrahim Sulemana's late winner clinches Champions League berth

Atalanta secured a coveted spot in next season's Champions League following a 2-1 win over Roma on Monday, with Sulemana's 76th-minute winner ending the Giallorossi's 19-game unbeaten streak in the Italian top-flight.

Atalanta and Roma faced off at the Gewiss Stadium on Monday in a high-stakes clash with major top-four implications. Separated by just five points heading into the fixture, both sides knew that victory was crucial in the race for Champions League qualification. With Inter and Napoli pulling away in the title race, only two spots remained up for grabs, adding extra urgency to an already fiercely-competitive encounter.

Ademola Lookman continued his fine form to break the deadlock in the ninth minute, before Bryan Cristante pulled one back for the visitors in the 32nd minute. With both sides struggling to score the go-ahead goal, Atalanta boss Gasperini brought on Sulemana in the 68th minute - indeed, he needed just eight minutes to inspire the hosts and score the goal that helped them secure a spot in Europe's premier club competition.

This was Roma's first defeat in Serie A in 2025. Indeed, Ranieri's troops had not lost a single game since their 2-0 defeat away at Como on December 15, 2024, winning 14 games and drawing five. Their incredible form has allowed them to dream of a return to the Champions League next season, and, even with the loss to Atalanta, they find themselves one point behind Juventus and Lazio, who are fourth and fifth respectively.

Ranieri, who is 73 years old, was persuaded by Roma management to come out of retirement and help the club in what would be his third stint. However, the veteran Italian manager is set to bid adieu once and for all at the end of the season. Como head coach Cesc Fabregas has been rumoured to be a potential successor to the former Leicester City boss, while Erik ten Hag has also been linked with the job.

Roma will hope to bounce back to winning ways and remain firmly in contention for a top-four spot when they take on AC Milan on Sunday, May 18.