AFCON 2025
On a pivotal day for Serie A, Atalanta secured their place in next season’s Champions League with a 2-1 victory over Roma, while Fiorentina’s aspirations for European competition took a significant hit following a 2-1 defeat to Venezia.
Atalanta confirmed their qualification for the Champions League with a hard-fought 2-1 win against Roma at the Gewiss Stadium. Ademola Lookman opened the scoring for the hosts in the 9th minute, capitalizing on a swift counter-attack.
Roma responded in the 32nd minute through Bryan Cristante, who headed in the equalizer from a well-delivered corner.
The decisive moment came in the 76th minute when substitute Ibrahim Sulemana fired a low shot from outside the area, restoring Atalanta’s lead and sealing the victory.
This result not only secures Atalanta’s spot in Europe’s premier club competition but also ends Roma’s impressive 19-match unbeaten run in Serie A.
Meanwhile, Venezia took a significant step towards Serie A survival with a 2-1 home win over Fiorentina at the Stadio Pier Luigi Penzo.
After a goalless first half, Fali Candé broke the deadlock in the 61st minute, followed by Gaetano Oristanio doubling the lead seven minutes later. Fiorentina managed to pull one back through Rolando Mandragora in the 77th minute but couldn’t find an equalizer.
The victory lifts Venezia out of the relegation zone, placing them in 17th position with 29 points, one point above Lecce and Empoli. With two matches remaining, Venezia controls its destiny in the fight for survival.
Conversely, Fiorentina’s defeat leaves them in 9th place with 59 points, four points behind Roma, who occupy the final European qualification spot.
With two games left, Fiorentina’s chances of securing European football next season have significantly diminished.
