Claudio Ranieri didn’t hold back blasting VAR after Roma’s 2-1 defeat to Atalanta ended their 19-match unbeaten streak and put their Champions League qualification in serious jeopardy.
While goals from Ademola Lookman and Ibrahim Sulemana sank the Giallorossi in Bergamo, it was the decision to overturn a second-half penalty that dominated post-match headlines.
With the chance to leapfrog Juventus and Lazio into the top four, Roma now find themselves sixth—one point behind their rivals with only two matches remaining in the Serie A season.
Ranieri Furious With VAR Over Reversed Roma Penalty Against Atalanta
The controversial incident came midway through the second half when Roma were awarded a penalty for a challenge by Atalanta’s Mario Pasalic on Manu Koné.
Referee Simone Sozza initially pointed to the spot, but after a VAR review, the decision was overturned. The footage showed contact, but the officials deemed that Koné initiated the clash.
Ranieri was left seething. “We saw that Pasalic mistimed the challenge, put his foot down and caught my player. So VAR should not have intervened,” he told DAZN. “The referee awarded a penalty and it should’ve stayed a penalty.
“You can clearly see that Pasalic makes contact with Manu Koné. How can you say no? We are literally looking at it!”
The Roma coach also questioned the consistency of VAR in Serie A and the clarity of its guidelines.
What Happened in Atalanta vs Roma?
Roma entered the match with momentum and ambition, knowing a win could move them into the top four. However, Gian Piero Gasperini’s Atalanta showed why they are one of the most feared teams in Europe, coming off their Europa League triumph.
Lookman opened the scoring early, exploiting Roma’s defensive gaps. Cristante offered a glimmer of hope, leveling the score with a smart header before halftime.
But after the controversial penalty reversal, Roma lost their grip. Sulemana struck in the 76th minute, sealing the win for Atalanta and dealing a blow to Roma’s top-four hopes.
Despite the disappointment, Ranieri was quick to praise his players and even congratulated Atalanta. “We will fight to the end, as we always have done,” he said, visibly disheartened. “But we just want sporting justice.
“If the rules have changed, let us know. If not, the VAR should’ve stayed out of it.”
What’s Next for Roma?
Roma now face an uphill battle. With Milan next on the calendar, Ranieri must rally his squad quickly. Their path to the Champions League remains mathematically possible, but their fate may no longer be in their hands.
The defeat to Atalanta could well define their season, hence Ranieri’s frustration.
