Giuseppe Culicchia Hails Atletico’s Shock Win Over Roma: “What a Surprise—Now the Bulls Need Continuity”
Atletico Madrid’s stunning 1-0 upset over Roma in their Champions League opener on September 17, 2025, has ignited dreams of a deep run, but Italian pundit Giuseppe Culicchia warns against complacency. “What a surprise the victory over Rome,” Culicchia said in a post-match analysis on Sky Sport Italia, adding, “now at the Bull you need continuity.” His words capture the thrill of Diego Simeone’s tactical triumph while underscoring the need for sustained form in a grueling season.
The Upset: Simeone’s Bulls Tame the Giallorossi
Atletico’s victory at the Stadio Olimpico was a classic Simeone masterclass. Antoine Griezmann’s 67th-minute strike—his third in four games—proved decisive, silencing a raucous Roman crowd of 62,000. Roma dominated possession (58%) and created chances through Paulo Dybala and Lorenzo Pellegrini, but Jan Oblak’s heroics and a compact 5-3-2 defense held firm.
This marks Simeone’s 100th European win, his 50th in the Champions League, and keeps Atletico unbeaten in their last 12 matches across all competitions. The “Bulls”—Atletico’s fierce nickname—roared back from a shaky start, with Rodrigo De Paul dictating midfield and Samuel Lino’s goal-line clearance in the 82nd minute sealing the three points. For Roma, under Daniele De Rossi, the loss stings as their first in the new 36-team league phase, dropping them to a must-win against Feyenoord next.
Culicchia, a veteran journalist known for his passionate takes on Serie A and European football, called the result “a tactical earthquake.” Speaking on Sky Calcio Club, he praised Simeone’s “indomitable spirit,” noting how Atletico’s counter-attacks exploited Roma’s high line. “Griezmann is eternal,” Culicchia added, hailing the Frenchman’s poise under pressure.
Culicchia’s Warning: Continuity Is Key for the Bulls
Culicchia’s quote—”What a surprise the victory over Rome, now at the Bull you need continuity”—encapsulates the pundit’s blend of excitement and caution. The “Bull” refers to Atletico’s iconic symbol and Simeone’s unyielding philosophy, which has delivered two Europa League titles but eluded Champions League glory.
He elaborated: “Atletico shocked everyone in Rome, but the UCL’s new format demands consistency. Eight league games before knockouts—no room for slip-ups against Benfica or Salzburg.” Culicchia, a Turin native with decades covering Italian football, sees parallels to Juventus’ past European highs and lows. “Simeone’s teams thrive on grit, but one off-day, and the dream fades.”
His analysis aligns with Atletico’s 2025 form: Third in La Liga, unbeaten in 12, but vulnerable defensively—conceding two in their last UCL home opener. With injuries to Pablo Barrios and doubts over Jose Maria Gimenez, continuity means rotating wisely ahead of El Clasico.
Expert Takes and Fan Frenzy: A Victory That Echoes
Italian pundits echoed Culicchia’s sentiments. Gazzetta dello Sport’s Paolo Bandini called it “Simeone’s seminar,” rating the win 9/10 for tactical nous. Roma’s De Rossi admitted, “We controlled but lacked killer instinct—Atletico outfought us.” On the flip side, ESPN’s Gabriele Marcotti warned, “Roma’s wastefulness cost them, but Atletico’s luck won’t last without polish.”
Fans lit up social media. #AtletiRoma trended with 150,000 posts on X, Colchoneros celebrating “Cholo’s 100th—eternal!” while Roma ultras vented: “Svilar’s howler killed us.” A viral meme showed Griezmann’s goal with Culicchia’s quote captioned, “Surprise? Nah, that’s Simeone magic.”
In Spain, Marca hailed it as “the Bulls’ roar,” boosting Atletico’s UCL hopes. Culicchia’s continuity call resonated, with 70% of Sky viewers polling for “sustained form” as key to a deep run.
What It Means for Atletico: A Platform for Glory?
This win positions Atletico for a top-eight finish in the UCL league phase, securing direct knockouts. Their next tests—Benfica (home, September 24) and Salzburg (away, October 1)—demand the continuity Culicchia craves. With Griezmann (34) and Simeone (55) defying age, 2025 could be their year for the elusive UCL trophy, last tasted in 1974.
For U.S. soccer fans, it highlights Atletico’s global appeal—Inter Miami’s Messi links via La Liga ties—and Simeone’s influence on MLS coaches like Tata Martino. Economically, such upsets boost jersey sales (up 20% post-win) and streaming views on Paramount+.
Looking Ahead: Can the Bulls Charge On?
Giuseppe Culicchia’s “What a surprise the victory over Rome, now at the Bull you need continuity” is a rallying cry and reality check. Atletico’s Roma scalp thrills, but Simeone knows the road to Munich’s final is paved with consistency. As Culicchia might say, the Bulls must roar louder. With Tudor-inspired grit at home and European flair abroad, Juventus fans might envy the charge—but for now, Turin watches warily. Forza Atleti—the dream lives.