Atalanta Held 0-0 by Genoa, Europa League Hopes Fade After Winless Month

Key facts

• Atalanta drew 0-0 with Genoa at Gewiss Stadium on May 2, 2026.
• The result extends Atalanta's winless run to five matches across all competitions.
• Atalanta's last victory came on April 6; since then they have drawn with Roma and lost to Juventus, Cagliari, and in the Coppa Italia semifinal to Lazio.
• Genoa moved 11 points clear of the relegation zone with four rounds remaining.
• Atalanta rank seventh in Serie A with 54 points, seven behind the top six.
• Goalkeeper Justin Bijlow made several key saves for Genoa, preserving the clean sheet.
• Atalanta's Giacomo Raspadori hit the crossbar in the second half.
• Atalanta have 12 clean sheets this season (35.3% of matches).

Stalemate in Bergamo Deepens Atalanta's Slump

Atalanta BC's hopes of qualifying for European competition suffered another blow on Saturday as they were held to a goalless draw by Genoa at Gewiss Stadium. The result leaves Raffaele Palladino's side without a win in five matches across all competitions, a run that has seen them slip seven points behind Serie A's top six with only four fixtures remaining. Genoa, under coach Daniele De Rossi, started brightly and nearly took an early lead. Atalanta responded through efforts from Charles De Ketelaere and Nikola Krstovic, but neither could find the net. After the interval, the hosts intensified their pressure, with Giacomo Raspadori striking the crossbar, but Genoa goalkeeper Justin Bijlow proved decisive with several important saves to secure a point.

Palladino's Team Unable to Break Through

Despite dominating possession and creating chances, Atalanta could not convert their territorial advantage into goals. The Bergamaschi have now scored only once in their last four league matches, a 3-2 defeat at Cagliari where Gianluca Scamacca's brace was not enough. Palladino, who took over a team lying 13th in November, has seen his side's early promise fade as they have earned just one point from the last nine available. Atalanta's expected goals (xG) for the season stand at 22.4, while their expected goals against (xGA) are 20.1, reflecting a narrow margin that has not translated into results. The team has recorded 47 goals and 32 goals conceded, a goal differential of +15, but their recent form has eroded the advantage built earlier in the campaign.

Genoa's Survival Bid Strengthened

For Genoa, the draw was a valuable step toward securing their Serie A status. De Rossi's side, which faced relegation threat earlier in the season, have transformed since his appointment. They have taken four wins from six before this match and now sit 11 points clear of the bottom three with four games left. The Grifone have 39 points from 34 matches, with a goal differential of -9 (40 scored, 49 conceded). Goalkeeper Justin Bijlow, on loan or transfer from Feyenoord, has been instrumental. In 13 starts for Genoa, he has kept three clean sheets, a rate of 24.0%, and posted a save percentage of 70.8%. Against Atalanta, he made several crucial stops to preserve the point. Genoa's clean sheet percentage for the season is 20.6%, with seven shutouts overall.

Key Players and Tactical Battle

Atalanta's attack relied on Nikola Krstovic, who has 31 career goals and 10 assists in 7,615 minutes, and Lorenzo Colombo, who has 31 goals and 6 assists in 10,207 minutes. Neither could find a way past Bijlow. Atalanta goalkeeper Marco Carnesecchi, with a career save percentage of 72.9% and 37 clean sheets in 122 starts, was relatively untested as Genoa's early threat subsided. The match saw Atalanta generate 128 shots on target against them this season, while they have taken 98 saves themselves. Their save rate of 75.0% ranks among the better in the league. Genoa, by contrast, have faced 140 shots on target and made 97 saves, with a save percentage of 65.0%.

European Qualification Now a Distant Prospect

Atalanta's hopes of returning to the Europa League, which they won two years ago, are fading. They lie seventh, seven points behind the top six, and must hope that Roma or Como slip up while winning all their remaining matches. Even a top-four finish and Champions League qualification appear mathematically out of reach: Juventus need only a draw against Verona to definitively seal fourth place. The draw extends Atalanta's winless run to a month, since their last victory on April 6. In that period, they have drawn with Roma and suffered heavy defeats to Juventus and Cagliari, as well as the Coppa Italia semifinal loss to Lazio on penalties. Palladino, who had previously won all five Serie A contests against Genoa as a coach, could not extend that record.

Outlook for the Final Four Rounds

Atalanta must now win all remaining fixtures and hope for favorable results elsewhere to salvage a European place. Their next match is against a team still fighting for survival or mid-table security. Genoa, virtually safe, can play without pressure and may continue to build under De Rossi for next season. The 0-0 draw was a fair reflection of a match where Atalanta pushed but lacked precision, while Genoa defended resolutely. For the neutrals, it was a contest of two teams at different points in their trajectories: one desperate for points, the other relieved to have secured theirs.

The bottom line

• Atalanta have gone five matches without a win, their longest winless streak of the season.
• A 0-0 draw with Genoa leaves them seven points off the top six with four games to play.
• Genoa moved 11 points clear of relegation, all but securing their Serie A status.
• Goalkeeper Justin Bijlow's saves were decisive for Genoa, earning his third clean sheet of the season.
• Atalanta's Giacomo Raspadori hit the crossbar in the second half, the closest either side came to scoring.
• Raffaele Palladino's team have lost momentum after a promising start under his tenure.