The Giallorossi get back to winning ways, although it proved just how much this team relies on Vincenzo Montella for goals.

The pressure is building on Roma boss Gigi Del Neri following their humiliating 3-1 derby defeat to local rivals Lazio midweek. The Giallorossi had Simone Perrotta, Alberto Aquilani and Leandro Cufre' suspended, though Vincenzo Montella returned from a ban to restore their trident attack. Ivan Pelizzoli was sent to the stands due to a bout of flu, though some believe it was linked with his poor performance in the derby.

Atalanta were still celebrating their first win of the season, beating Fiorentina 1-0, but Gianpaolo Pazzini and suspended duo Demetrio Albertini and Bellini were on the sidelines.

Massimo Taibi was also a doubt with a shoulder problem and he spilled a powerful Francesco Totti free kick early on. The goalkeeper then readjusted his position to clear Montella's angled drive with his feet, though he accidentlly hit his head on the upright.

Antonio Cassano threaded through for Montella, but Natali performed a decisive challenge when it seemed certain he would score.

Cassano dispossessed Natali and allowed Totti to strike just wide, but the deadlock was finally broken on the stroke of half-time. Totti was again involved, providing the sweeping cross for Montella to tap in from seven yards.

Montella has been their top scorer this season and was sorely missed, netting Roma's second on the hour mark by redirecting a Totti free kick with a remarkably accurate razor-sharp angled drive.

Marcolini gave Atalanta hope in the final minutes by nodding in Lazzari's cross.

Roma: Zotti; Mexes, Dellas, Ferrari; Mancini, De Rossi, D'Agostino (De Martino 78), Panucci; Totti, Montella, Cassano

Atalanta: Taibi; Innocenti (Lazzari 59), Sala, Natali, Rivalta, Zenoni, Mingazzini (Bernardini 79), Migliaccio, Marcolini, Montolivo (Motta 65), Budan

Ref: Tombolini

Sent off: Lazzari 89 (A)
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