Karsdorp returns to Roma with win, also playing minutes Wijnaldum
NOS Soccer–
AS Roma did good business in Serie A, winning 1-0 against Hellas Verona and climbing to third place. Atalanta suffered a painful home defeat against Lecce and dropped out of the top four.
Rick Karsdorp seemed on the way out at Roma. He did not appear in coach José Mourinho’s plans for months, but the chill between the two is now out of the air.
The defender started in the starting lineup and was substituted midway through the second half. Roma were ahead by then through a goal by Ola Solbakken on the stroke of halftime.
Just before time, Mourinho brought on Georginio Wijnaldum, who made his comeback last week after a lengthy injury. Jayden Braaf played the last half hour with Hellas Verona. His teammate Deyovaisio Zeefuik watched the entire game from the bench.
Atalanta squanders fourth spot
Atalanta was in fourth place before Sunday, a position that qualifies for Champions League placement, but the team from Bergamo lost 2-1 at home to mid-tier Lecce and saw both Roma and Lazio pass them in the rankings.
Atlanta looked against a deficit for almost the entire match, after Assan Ceesay scored with a distance shot as early as the fourth minute. Fifteen minutes before time, Alexis Blin headed the visitors to a 2-0 lead.
Rasmus Højlund made it 2-1 just before the end, but there was no more to come for Atalanta. Teun Koopmeiners played the whole match for Atalanta. Marten de Roon was missing due to a suspension and Hans Hateboer is injured.
