It was necessary to be up to the 60 thousand of the Olimpico tonight in a match that was already putting pressure on Roma’s shoulders. After an unforgettable first half, the Giallorossi came out, even with the quality of the singles. Dybala scored after just 69 seconds, then Pellegrini, and Belotti’s first seal also arrived. The scoreboard could indicate larger numbers, because the Giallorossi had the chances, and many, they lacked a bit of coldness in front of the door. Today all promoted, and the return of Zaniolo has already paid off. On 22 he dispensed play and assists. The ‘Joya’ enters and plays the game, and Pellegrini returns to scoring. The entrance of Camara is also good.
The report cards
Rui Patricio 6: He sees ghosts from Bulgaria when Hoskonen comes out in front of him with a header, but the post saves him. The rest of the first half ends without other worries of mind. He closes the door to Browne with a great exit, but there was noticeable offside. For the rest, ordinary administration, except for an intervention with the fists on an opponent’s free kick at the end. Spoiler, he had taken that too.
Mancini 6 : Fight, always and in any case. Sometimes on the verge of ‘legality’. He gets tired of being in defense and decides to participate in the Giallorossi siege, also without success. At least in the first half. He hurts his ankle to stop Browne’s raid, which was clearly offside. Then he recovers and he can manage the ball together with his teammates.
vineyard 6: Dust off as a central defender, Uruguayan is not intimidated. When he can, he is seen making forays forward, looking for corridors that are not always precise for his teammates. He comes out at half-time to make way for Dybala. (From 45 ‘Dybala 7.5: the first ball touched, literally, enters the net. And it is a ball that shrugs anxiety from the shoulders of Roma. 69 seconds is enough for the winning left-handed razor. And then on the Olympic stage he stages the whole repertoire and has fun like a child with watercolors. Class play, trajectories designed for teammates and an increasingly decisive contribution, combined with an enviable physical condition make it, at the moment, a sharp weapon. Sharp as a diamond. Or rather, like a ‘joya’)
Ibanez 6: Practically the first defensive intervention takes the yellow for a foul on Hetemaj. And it also risks a second surgery. It looks a bit more exhausted than on previous releases. And also by virtue of the yellow Mourinho makes him rest once (From 45 ‘Smalling 6: he has little trouble on his hands, he does his without smudging and without even disheveling his pigtail)
Karsdorp 6: He has to keep up with Celik, the crosses are not yet accurate. He blocks Browne’s way for most of the match, and at 2-0 he only has to worry about finding the right corridors to increase the Giallorossi’s score.
Matico 6,5: Spinazzola also improvises and shows some numbers on the band. In midfield, however, he puts order and comes out on time when the balance needs to be put back in place. In the second half he can relax, because his opponents do not give him many problems. So much so that he too tries to carve out space on the scoresheet with a left-handed stone from outside the area.
Cristante 6.5: He talks better with Matic, and does not deny himself some forward gallop. His half-hour cross at the far post may be worth the advantage, but the opposing goalkeeper puts a piece in it. He decides to go on his own with a rough right from outside the box, which almost proves to be a winner. And he tries it more than once, because he understands it’s the kind of night where there can be room for everyone. He takes a highly avoidable yellow. (From 64 Camara 6.5: Enter a relaxed phase of the game, and adapt to the relaxed atmosphere of the teammates. He manages the balls with ease and fits well into the team geometry. He also takes off the whim of shooting, just outside).
Spinazzola 6: Tunnel and dribble, then try one of his own. He is recharging the batteries, and it shows. But in the defensive phase there is to be improved, because Hoskonen is lost, making Rui Patricio sweat cold by hitting the post. And in alternating phases it also changes sides. In the second half he rested a bit, because Roma are more in control.
Pilgrims 6.5: Try to dialogue with the ‘new’ ward mates Belotti and Zaniolo, then shoot the penalty earned by Belotti on the barrier. He tries to make up for it with a number in the area, but stretches the ball at the moment of the decisive cross. He finds no luck even in his head. He is lucky later, when he throws an action all of Zaniolo into his stomach. But it was the same number 7 who served Dybala for the 1-0. Goals and plays and even a little rest ahead of Atalanta. (From 68 ‘Bove sv: There is a great desire on Edoardo’s part to gain space).
Zaniolo 7.5: He really wants to do it, and immediately tries to pick up where he left off, but his left-handed is too weak. He seeks the way of the gate as the knights sought the holy grail, and he tries it from every clod. Then he inspires Belotti with a heel strike. The ‘Gallo’ returns the favor, but the appointment with the goal is to be postponed. He must be said, he always has 3 around, minimum. Then he takes everyone with him and in the second half with a gallop of his makes life easy for Pellegrini and propitiates the second goal. With Dybala the harmony is clear. And he also scores Belotti. If he had had a little more time, today he would also have scored Rui Patricio. Overflowing. (From 75 ‘Abraham St: A few minutes to charge up ahead of Atalanta, he keeps his eyes fixed on the goal.)
Belotti 7: Lingman gives him a gift for ownership and practically hands him the ball. The ‘Gallo’ anticipates the first acute, but Tenho knocks him out at the edge of the area, an intervention that costs him the expulsion. He takes shots for a good part of the race, but he holds out. He fails to take advantage of Zaniolo’s nice heel shot. And then it is he who serves Pellegrini with the heel. The comrades are looking for him, they want his seal. Nicolò succeeds, and this time Andrea’s crest is all for the South. The first goal in the Giallorossi, within friendly walls, and the first is never forgotten.
Mourinho 7: He unleashes some surprise changes from his top hat in the starting line-up, for example Viña in defense. And Dybala at rest. His redesigned Rome makes fun, without scratching, but he is the owner of the field and risks practically nothing. And since he is in numerical superiority he takes courage, but still without hurting. Mou then realizes that he needs the push, and puts Dybala in at the restart. He winning move. Because the Giallorossi take the lead, close the match and have fun on the pitch.
M. Teresa Tonazzi
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