Without Federico Chiesa or Paulo Dybala, still in the infirmary, the Bianconeri won in a thick fog thanks to a quick goal from Alvaro Morata (6th) and a deflected strike from Juan Cuadrado (69th) while Bologna was pushing in second period to equalize.

The joy of the Spanish striker of Juventus Turin, Alvaro Morata, after having opened the scoring on the ground of Bologna, during the 18th day of Serie A, December 18, 2021 Vincenzo PINTO AFP

"When we play with this attitude, which we put on the ground of sacrifice, races and technique, we get these results. But we should not look at others, we should only look at us", commented Leonardo. Bonucci, while Juve, with 31 points, temporarily returns to five lengths of the Top 4.

Applied, the Turinese conquered a welcome success after the points dropped in Venice (1-1), even if they were not really exciting in the game.

Moise Kean, in particular, has been chasing a league goal for two months.

This could reinforce the Turin leaders in a desire to find an additional striker during the winter transfer window.

Unlike the Bianconeri, Roma were brilliant in Bergamo, with a double scorer Tammy Abraham and a decisive Jordan Veret.

She signed a near-perfect match, spared this time by her indiscipline, her lack of success or contrary arbitration decisions.

José Mourinho praised the "fantastic spirit" of his players: "This victory is a big step forward in terms of mentality," said the Portuguese technician on DAZN.

"What a victory!"

The opening of the scoring from the first minute, on a breakthrough full axis of Abraham, laid the foundations of Roman success.

The Giallorossi then settled down, defending at eleven and coming out with determination against, finally resembling the teams loved by the ex-Chelsea coach and Inter Milan.

Nicolo Zaniolo, not stingy with efforts to defend, scored his first goal of the season in the league to make the break, served in depth by Veretout (27th).

AS Roma midfielder Nicolo Zaniolo (2nd g) scores the 2nd goal against Atalanta on Matchday 18 of Serie A on December 18, 2021 in Bergamo MIGUEL MEDINA AFP

Atalanta Bergamo reduced the score just before the break thanks to a shot from Luis Muriel deflected by Bryan Cristante (45 + 1st) and even thought they had equalized in the 69th minute from a corner.

But the goal was eventually disallowed for an offside, which put Gian Piero Gasperini off him as the reported player (Palomino) is not the one to score.

"We played well and it was played out on an episode. It's madness to cancel this goal", railed the coach of the "Dea".

Because Roma then flew away with Veretout in the maneuver, behind the goals of Chris Smalling (72nd) then Abraham (82nd).

"What a victory! A lot of people said it would be mission impossible, it's the best victory of the season," said the young English striker.

The joy of the English striker of AS Roma, Tammy Abraham, after scoring the 4th goal against Atalanta, during Matchday 18 of Serie A, December 18, 2021 in Bergamo MIGUEL MEDINA AFP

This braking action from Atalanta (3rd), after six victories, brings Inter Milan closer to the honorary title of winter champion.

It will be in the pocket of the Inters from Sunday evening if AC Milan (2nd) is beaten by Naples (4th) at the end of this 18th day.

© 2021 AFP