Bologna beats Atalanta, but Nerazzurri go to conference

Bologna beats Atalanta 1-0 away at the New Balance Arena in Bergamo, but the result is not enough for the Felsinei to keep a chink open towards Europe: given the 2-0 win in the first leg for the Orobici, which puts them ahead in the tally of direct clashes should they finish on equal points at the end of the season, it will be the latter that will play in the Conference League, thus ousting the Emilians from the continental events for the first time in two seasons.

The first fraction saw Bologna more dangerous, especially in the final: Carnesecchi was good on Rowe first and Castro later, denying the advantage to the Rossoblù in a fraction that ended 0-0. The resumption started at a brisk pace, Bologna believed more and struck at 78′: Rowe served from the left a precise cross that Orsolini, lurking at the second post, turned into a goal with his left foot. Atalanta’s reaction was weak and came the defeat, however irrelevant for European destinies.

In the standings, in fact, Atalanta remains at 58 points while Bologna rises to 55 with one day to go. The direct clashes reward Raffaele Palladino’s team, which next year (pending precisely what the fate of the Mugnano-born coach will be) will participate in the European cups for the ninth time in ten seasons (the exception being 2022-2023).

It will, however, be the first time that Atalanta will participate in the Conference League, a qualification that came thanks to seventh place now assured due to Inter’s success in the Coppa Italia. With the trophy gone to the Nerazzurri, in fact, the Europa League spot reserved for the winner of the competition has passed to the sixth-place finisher in the league. As a result, seventh place automatically became valid for the Conference League: a regulatory snag that certified Atalanta’s qualification.