Riccardo Orsolini scores the decisive goal in Bergamo as Bologna defeat Atalanta, though the margin is not enough to keep their European hopes alive on Matchday 37.
Atalanta BC closed out their home campaign with a defeat, but still had reason to celebrate after officially securing qualification for next season’s UEFA Conference League despite a 1-0 loss to Bologna FC 1909.
Vincenzo Italiano’s side needed a victory by at least two goals to keep alive their hopes of reaching Europe, but while Bologna left Bergamo with all three points thanks to Riccardo Orsolini’s late strike, the result ultimately was not enough to change their continental fate.
The first half unfolded as a balanced tactical battle, with few clear-cut opportunities for either side. Bologna came closest before halftime when Samuel Rowe unleashed a powerful effort from distance, forcing Marco Carnesecchi into an excellent save.
Atalanta struggled to create sustained attacking pressure throughout the evening. Nikola Krstovic and Charles De Ketelaere both failed to make a major impact in the final third, while Bologna looked increasingly dangerous as the match progressed.
The decisive moment arrived in the 78th minute. Rowe, one of Bologna’s liveliest players all night, delivered a perfectly weighted cross toward the far post where Orsolini timed his run brilliantly and finished to give the visitors the lead.
Atalanta pushed forward late in search of an equalizer, but Bologna’s defense remained composed to secure the clean sheet and the victory.
Despite the defeat, the atmosphere at the New Balance Arena remained positive after the final whistle, with Atalanta officially locking up seventh place and a spot in next season’s Conference League qualifiers.
Match Report
Atalanta 0-1 Bologna
Scorers:
78’ Orsolini (Bologna)
Atalanta (3-4-2-1)
Carnesecchi; Scalvini, Djimsiti, Ahanor; Zappacosta (88’ Kolasinac), De Roon (63’ Pasalic), Ederson, Zalewski (64’ Musah); De Ketelaere (82’ Bakker), Raspadori (64’ Sulemana); Krstovic.
Head Coach: Raffaele Palladino.
Bologna (4-3-3)
Skorupski; Joao Mario, Heggem, Helland, Miranda; Ferguson, Freuler, Pobega (69’ Moro); Bernardeschi (69’ Orsolini), Castro (69’ Dallinga), Rowe (88’ Dominguez).
Head Coach: Vincenzo Italiano.
Referee: Perenzoni
Yellow Cards: Pobega, Pasalic
Red Cards: None
